Family accuses utility worker of beating dog

HOUSTON The family has filed a police report and complained to CenterPoint Energy, which is investigating the allegations. Tuesday morning, according to the Cerda family, a CenterPoint worker came to their home, which has both a 'no trespassing' and a 'beware of dog' sign. According to them, the man knocked on the door. They didn't answer it immediately. Elaine Cerda says her husband looked out the window.

"And he saw the gentleman jump over the fence with a two by four in his hand," said Cerda. "And the next thing he heard was my dog crying. He heard my poor baby crying."

The family dog, named Maya, is kept in the back yard. They believe she was struck with the two by four board.

We spoke to a CenterPoint representative. The family also filed a complaint with the company. We're told the person who was dispatched to the house works for a subcontractor. We're also told that CenterPoint advises its employees not to enter a ya rd where a dog is present.

The complaint is under investigation by both CenterPoint and HPD.