[mjan1121]

Does an e-collar count as complying with leash laws? There's two dogs in our complex that walk around with just e-collars and because we're still working on Athena's reactivity it makes me uncomfortable but I don't want to say anything unless I have a valid point.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[revolutionrocknroll]

I wouldn't think so, that would be like saying an off leash dog under vocal control is complying with leash laws. Even if it listens, it's still off leash.

 

[Channyyy]

To me, if the dogs not on a leash the owners not complying to the leash law, even if they say their dog is completely under control. I think you have a valid complaint, because it's been known that dogs on e-collars will sometimes ignore a shock to go after something they're really interested in.

 

[Sha]

Hello, fellow Madisonian!

A collar is a collar and not a leash. So, no, electric collars don't count as leashes.

The important thing, though, is whether this is on the complex's property or not. Madison's leash law is as follows: "Keep your dog leashed when off your property unless you are within the off-leash exercise areas in parks where dogs are allowed."
https://www.publichealthmdc.com/environmental/animal/dog.cfm

So if they're doing this on complex property, Madison/Dane County doesn't care about it one lick and it comes down to your complex's rules. However, I think most of the complexes require dogs to be leashed when outside your own apartment. I'd have to go look over my lease again to double-check, but I think it has a stipulation about leashes.

So, if it's out in public/on sidewalks, no, they're not complying. If it's on the apartment complex property, you'll have to check with your rental company to find out what their requirements are. If it's against their policies, I'd consider reporting it to the rental company as it can be a hazard to other dogs.

 

[mjan1121]

@Sha Go Madison! I'm glad to have met another Madisonian on here, that's awesome! Do you have any pups yourself?

Also, we have an off-leash exercise area in our complex behind the last building. She had him off leash on the complex property, outside the off-leash area, walking back to her apartment. There is nothing about leash laws in the lease, just a section about pet deposits, pets fees and rules regarding owning a dog (ie. have to tell the complex, have to fill out paperwork, etc.). There's also a section about pet clean-up fees but again, nothing about leash laws.

2/3 dogs were on an e-collar and 1 was on a leash. There were two ladies. If you can put a leash on one dog, why can't you put a leash on all 3?

 

[Sha]

@Sha Go Madison! I'm glad to have met another Madisonian on here, that's awesome! Do you have any pups yourself?

Not yet! Hopefully very soon we'll have a little guy or gal.


As for the rest, maybe call up your property manager and see what they have to say? Ask if they have expectations for dogs to be on leashes on the way to the dog exercise area?

Otherwise, it sounds like there's not anything you can do unless the dogs actually cause problems, in which case you can go for reporting them for this part of the Madison dog code: "Never allow your dog to bark at, intimidate, attack, or threaten another pet or any person." But I have a sneaking suspicion that unless it's an attack or bite, it's going to be kind of difficult to get the police (or whoever) to issue a citation.

 

[mjan1121]

@Sha Yeah I figured there's not much to be done. Just wanted to double-check. I probably won't say anything. We got into an argument so it's probably best I don't stir the pot. Karma always finds me LOL

Whenever you get a little one let me know! My Nala LOVES new friends lol, especially the ones full of energy that like to play chase