I don't know if this is a police officer or lawyer question. Any input would be great. My town in Northern New Jersey has a leash law that states that if you're with your dog on any public road, it must be on a physical leash. OK, we all knew that. I asked my police department if they considered an E collar to be a suitable replacement for a leash. The officer didn't know what it was so I told her it works just like the electric fence, wherein, I have control over the dog via electrical stimulation. She said as long as it works the same as the electric fence it is an acceptable alternative.

Does anyone know if I can rely on her information? I'm asking because she sounded like this question and description of the e-collar was never before posed to her. If that is the case, maybe my town's "acceptance" is in a sort of grey zone.

Recently I was walking my dog (who mind's very, very well on the e-collar) in my neighborhood when a woman engaged me by demanding I put my dog on a leash because my GSD might hurt her dog. Which was very aggravating because it was her dog (Golden retriever) who on a prior walk tried to take a bite out of my dog <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />. That same dog also went after another dog in our neighborhood right in front of me <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />! She threatened to call the police if she sees my dog off leash again.

Would anybody out there know if I can walk my dog w/confidence with only the e-collar?

I recommend contacting your local animal control (if you have one) or your city attorneys office for clarification on this .

Police Officers sometimes aren't the best at answering these types of questions regarding the subtleties of a minor law or ordinance that may not be enforced as often as other violations . Many may just see a dog off-leash (e-collar or not) issue a citation and let the courts figure it out . That's usually how many of the grey areas in an ordinance are found around my area .

This may be an issue that may need further clarification in the wording if that law or ordinance .

Hmm, you may be right. After your post, I contacted who I was told was the appropriate town official (court clerk)for animal concerns/questions and they themselves could not answer whether e-collar is an acceptable alternative and will be calling me back after they contact our local animal control person.

I'll let you know what happens. Thanks for the help.

What I have done is use the traffic leash in conjuction with the e-collar and have my dog heal w/o holding the leash. That way my dog is leashed, but when we run i dont have the hassle of holding it. If animal control is actually going to be called, you could go the rest of your walk holding the leash if you were worried about getting a ticket.

Earlier, there was a long discussion on this topic. Click on the following link.E-Collar vs Leash

My advice to everyone is get clarification about your local leash laws from officials in your city or town . None are the same and there is no mandate that says every leash law has to be the same . It is specific to your area .

Others from different locations can't be much of a help to you and it is important to know how that area interprets that law or ordinance. It may not be the same as the way you interpret it . If it is that important to you and you get cited take it to court. Many times the outcome of that trial will effect how that ordinance is interpretted in the future . I have seen some animal ordinances thrown out all together because it wasn't clear enough .

There may be state laws and then seperate city ordinances on leash laws . Some are vague concerning e-collars .

Sam in my city your traffic lead would still get you a ticket if I see you not holding onto it . That's a common tactic by the way and it didn't work for my brother (he's a sneaky one) . Once again leash laws are different in different areas .

No go on the e-collar for my town <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> . I confirmed it today with the animal control officer. If he/she sees me w/an e-collar I get one warning. Second time a ticket.

What's so aggravating is the control I have on an e-collar is outstanding. The control I have with a leash is, well, I'll put it this way...He weighs 80 lbs. and I weigh 105 lbs. If he wanted to, he could drag me from here to the state line!! He doesn't but I don't have outstanding control with him on a leash when there are other dogs very nearby. (We're working on that). Thanks everyone for your input and sorry for the repeat topic. I forgot to search first <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />.

At least you get a warning, in my town you get a ticket first time for $75 then $125 for each time after that. Got the $75 one, now I have to stay real alert or I will be coughing up another $125.