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“There are two elements to this ordinance,” said Blacksburg Town Attorney Larry Spencer. “One, it allows for non-violation of leash laws when an electronic collar is used. Two, it establishes a penalty provision on the leash law.”

Instead of violators receiving a criminal stamp on their record for leash law violation, they would receive a minor civil infraction the equivalent of a parking ticket. The fine was set at $50 for anyone not using a leash or an electronic collar with their dog while in public domain.

An electronic collar/leash is defined as 'a collar used as a training device that sends an electric stimulation or warning sound to the dog when the trainer uses an electronic signal,' according to www.dogtime.com.

Five town residents stepped to the podium to express their opinions during the public hearing stage of the meeting. Those in support included a 16-year user of the electronic collar who is well-known around town for her well-behaved dogs and daily walks; and a man who has extensive experience with the 'training collars' and uses them two times per day with a minimum of 90 minutes each use.

Both electronic collar users testify that the electronic 'shock' sent to their animal in the case of them wandering too far away is not inhumane. They said that once a dog has experienced the slight jolt a couple of times, they learn to not disobey their owner.

It was pointed out that an electronic collar is both beneficial to the pooch and the owner. While using an electronic collar, dogs are able to move naturally, explore and get ample amounts of exercise without being dependent upon their owners' physical abilities. Owners get the benefit of not being pulled or jerked by their dog while walking them.

The other three residents who stepped to the podium were not as positive about the use of an electronic collar, however.

“I'm not anti-dog and I'm not anti-dog owner,” said Blacksburg citizen Richard Jake.

Jake said he'd never heard of electronic leashes until he read a recent news article.

“If we use this method to control dogs, we need a reasonable sight distance to verify that a dog is on an electronic collar,” Jake pointed out.

He took it upon himself to interview several veterinarians as to their opinion. Keeping their privacy, Jake did not disclose their names, but said that the unanimous feeling between them was that an electronic collar will not stop a dog who is determined enough to do something, especially when it comes to larger breeds. He also pointed out that if the electronic stimulus is too strong, it will raise the issue of animal cruelty.

As another citizen approached Council, she made it clear that so-called 'shock' collars will not prevent dog attacks. She stated that her mother-in-law was bitten by a dog on such a control device. She begged Council that if the ordinance must go in place, the fine must be raised to a much more substantial fee.

“Concerning enforcement, how do you know when a dog is under control,” asked Blacksburg citizen Frank Lau.

In his Council address, he informed them that this ordinance would make it hard for policemen to enforce the law. He pointed out that they would have to have time to observe a person with their dog or it would turn into a he said/she said situation.

After hearing the publics' concerns, Council discussed the issue briefly.

“We should look in, as a council, in to animal control,” said Councilman Al Leighton. “They take care of dogs that are strays, with a stray being defined as a dog without a collar.”

Leslie Hager-Smith, a newcomer to Council, said she had been in support of the ordinance when coming into the meeting. However, after hearing the public speak, she said she was now questioning the enforceability of the law.

Councilman Tom Sherman suggested that Blacksburg needs a dog park.

With the discussion coming to a close, a vote was called. The ordinance was passed with only Council member Hager-Smith opposing.

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