April 4. By Dave Vieser. Electronic and training collars will no longer be acceptable for restraining dogs within public or parks properties in Cornelius as a result of a unanimous vote during Mondays Town Board Meeting. The change in the Town Code goes into effect immediately.

Background

For the protection and safety of the general public, town code requires individuals having possession or control of animals (with the exception of cats) to have such animals restrained, according to Town Manager Andrew Grant.

“Unfortunately our Police and Parks Dept. have encountered dogs that are not able to be restrained by electronic collars and training collars,” he said.

Bottom line: These types of restraints are inadequate, the town manager stated.

“Therefore this change in our code will clarify that restraints must be physical restraints, such as a leash or bridle,” Grant said.

Fines

Violations of the town code will result in a fine of $50 for the first offense, $75 for the second offense and $100 for each violation thereafter.

No hounding—yet

Town officials prefer persuasion to prosecution, and are hopeful that news of the code change will quickly spread throughout the town. However, town workers, particularly those within the police animal control division, will be prepared to issue fines if necessary.