The City of Wilmington’s newly clarified dog-leash ordinance does not ban electronic leashes in city limits–but they generally won’t be allowed in public.
“People who have electronic devices can still use them,” said Councilwoman Margaret Haynes, who proposed the change. “They’re not being outlawed. You can use them on your own property, you can use them at the dog park.”
But where law normally requires dogs be leashed–on a downtown sidewalk, for instance–invisible restraints are now noncompliant.
Wilmington City Council, with Mayor Bill Saffo absent, on Tuesday voted unanimously to update the definition of “leash or like device.”
“This clarification will prohibit dog owners from allowing their dogs off their premises without a physically tangible way to restrain them and will specifically prohibit reliance on electronic or ‘invisible’ leashes,” the request stated.
The specific language: “It shall be unlawful for any owner of a dog to allow it to run at-large off the premises of its owner unless such dog is physically restrained by a chain, leash or harness with one end attached to the dog and the other end held by a competent person, except in any posted, designated pet exercise areas in parks owned or operated by New Hanover County.”
Fines are $25 for the first violation, $75 for the second and $500 for three or more occurrences.
Councilman Kevin O’Grady, who noted he and his wife have raised dogs for the past 20 years, said the update will provide the public some relief. He noted the “potential dread” someone might feel at the sight of a dog that doesn’t appear to be restrained.
The product description for the PetSafe Electronic Dog Leash Pet Training System on Amazon.com said a “hand-held, battery-powered transmitter attached to the leash sends command signals to the receiver your pet wears around his neck. If your dog misbehaves inappropriately, you can administer a warning tone. If the dog doesn’t respond, a safe and humane electronic correction can be administered.
“For stubborn dogs, the Electronic Leash features a progressive correction option.”
Contact Ben Brown at [email protected] or (910) 772-6335. On Twitter: @benbrownmedia
