Dog owners take note: electronic collars will be prohibited as a form of physical restraint in Alexandria, Va.
The devices can still be used in dog parks, during obedience training and on private property, but all dogs must be physically leashed in public in Alexandria.
The city adopted an ordinance after the town Council voted unanimously in favor of it at a June 16 public hearing. The ordinance will go into effect Sept. 1. At that time, a dog in public wearing an electronic collar can be considered running at large, and the owner may be cited and fined up to $100.
Animal control officers are going to begin issuing warnings to dog owners without a leash on their dogs between now and September.
The issue came up after several instances where electronic collars failed to prevent dogs from running into roadways or chasing other animals, especially in Old Town.
For more information, including a copy of the ordinance, visit the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
