The city has adopted an ordinance that excludes electronic collars and similar electronic devices as legal methods to physically restrain dogs in public. At its June 16 public hearing, the City Council voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance, which goes into effect on Sept. 1.
The goal of the ordinance is to preserve public — and canine — safety in a densely-populated community where dogs are welcome just about everywhere. Additionally, Alexandria offers residents and visitors 18 fenced and unfenced dog exercise areas where dogs are not required to be leashed. Dog owners may use electronic collars and other training devices in these dog parks, at sanctioned obedience training classes and field trials, and on private property.
Beginning Sept. 1, 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.
More information on Alexandria’s ordinance requiring all dogs in public to be physically leashed is available at www.AlexandriaAnimals.org/e-collar.