Prospect Heights approves new length for dog leashes

The Prospect Heights City Council Tuesday unanimously approved a new law requiring residents to keep their dogs on a leash no more than 8 feet long when their canines are off their property.

Dog owner Tricia Moore, who owns a 50-pound German shepherd mix, asked the board to reconsider the 8-foot rule before the vote, saying she likes to take her dog walking on a longer leash, especially in open spaces.

City official said the law's purpose is to keep dogs under control and to make sure residents aren't bothered by other people's dogs. It's unlikely Prospect Heights police will be looking for dog owners walking their pets on longer leashes, but if a resident complains the police could issue a ticket based on their discretion, officials said.

Alderman Dolly Vole said part of the reason the 8-foot leash length has been implemented is because it is the length already imposed on residents of apartments and condominiums in the city. The length is also regarded as customary for leashes in other local ordinances. She added police would not "take out a tape measure" to verify a dog leash length, but it would give other residents the ability to take action if there's a problem with a dog.

City Treasurer Rich Tibbits, who explained he also uses a 16-foot retractable leash for his dog, said the city isn't trying to issue tickets just because owners are using longer leashes. The point is to encourage residents to keep their dogs under control and allow people to feel safe from other residents' dogs.

"If police get technical, residents could get a ticket, but what we are concerned about is public safety," Tibbits said.

A ticket could mean a $50 fine for violators but police would have the discretion to increase it for repeat offenders, police said.

Officials said voice commands to control dogs off the leash is no longer acceptable, officials said.