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Debate over leash rules and electronic collars prompts council to seek more input
Summary
Residents and sheriff's staff debated whether electronic collars should qualify as a 'restraining device' under Hideout code. The council asked staff to gather more public input, legal language from Wasatch County, and recommendations on inspection/enforcement and potential rule changes.
Hideout — A lengthy public discussion on Sept. 11 produced mixed views about requiring physical leashes, allowing electronic-collar systems and how the town should enforce animal-control rules.
Several residents described near-miss incidents on popular walking routes and urged the council to clarify code language so that owners cannot rely on electronic-collar systems in lieu of a physical leash where public safety is at risk. Justin (animal control) and Wasatch County staff told the council that county practice generally does not recognize purely electronic fences or collars as a sufficient restraining device where a dog can reach sidewalks or the street; Wasatch County and Heber City officials expect a physical leash in many contexts.
Sheriff Jared Rigby and county animal-control staff recommended the town adopt clearer language and enforcement procedures. “If the dog's off the owner's property and not under immediate control by a durable restraint device capable of keeping the dog restrained, it’s considered at large,” a county representative said, summarizing common ordinances. Council members asked whether a town-specific ordinance should require a physical leash in public places, and whether HOAs and limited-common areas are a separate enforcement category.
Councilmembers heard from residents who want clearer signage, especially near the roundabout and parks, and from residents who said that trained dogs on e‑collars can be safer for older handlers who cannot physically control an animal with a short leash. Speakers urged a balanced approach that prioritizes public safety while acknowledging that people own and rely on different types of restraint devices.
The council directed staff to prepare a short public outreach and draft code language for a future meeting: (1) gather Wasatch County statutory or model language about “at large” definitions and permitted restraining devices, (2) solicit public input from dog owners and other residents (survey or focus groups), and (3) present a draft ordinance change and an enforcement plan, including civil penalty levels and how the town will manage complaint response.
Why it matters: The town’s circulation of pedestrians and shared public spaces has grown; the question affects residents’ safety, dog owners’ practices and enforcement procedures.
What’s next: Staff will compile county model language, propose draft ordinance revisions on restraining devices and public signage requirements, and plan public outreach before the council takes up a formal ordinance change.
