Retractable Dog Leash - CHOICE # 364

Dog lovers are alerted to the potential hazard of retractable dog leashes.

In one incident in Australia last year, a nine-year-old girl was severely injured in her left eye when walking her dog on a retractable leash.

It occurred when the metal clasp of the retractable dog leash snapped in half, and its jagged edge flew back into the face of the little girl hitting hard on her eye.

The incident prompted a test by the Australian Consumers' Association on 12 models of retractable dog leashes, to examine if the metal clasp could withstand a maximum pull force of 500 Newton which was applied to simulate the pulling force of a 20 kg dog jumping forward in a sudden.

Two of the models failed the test - one was the same retractable dog leash used in the tragic incident, which failed at less than 160 Newton as the metal clasp snapped in half.

Both models could not be found for sale in Hong Kong. But 4 models which passed the test were found available in the market here.

Since online shopping is common these days, consumers may buy dog leash from overseas. Results of the Australian test with brandnames were published in this February issue of CHOICE for the reference of consumers.

Some useful Dos and Don'ts for consumers:

Do

• - Replace the leash when the dog grows heavier than the weight the leash is designed for.
• - Replace the leash if the cord is damaged.
• - Uncoil and fix the cord before cleaning with the wet towel, retract the cord when it is dried.

Don't

• - Buy a leash without appropriate labeling including the dog's weight and length of cord.
• - Fix the leash on flea collar.
• - Fix the retractable leash on large, hyperactive and uncontrollable dogs.
• - Use fingers to aid fixing the length of retractable dog leash. (Use method of retractable dog leash is totally different from common dog leash.)
• - Pull the handle near your face. 
• - Let children use the leash or touch the extended cord.
• - Fix the malfunction or damaged leash by yourself, the inner spring and retracted cord may cause harm.