Toddler strangled by dog lead prompts warning to Aussie pet owners

An Aussie grandmother is urging people to avoid using retractable dog leads after her grandson was almost choked during an altercation at a busy park where two dogs "went crazy", and entangled him and his mother, resulting in several injuries.

It's the latest in a string of similar incidents involving such leads and it has prompted pet authorities to speak out against what they say are "hazardous" products. Earlier this week, the distressed grandmother posted to a Sydney community group warning dog owners over the "dreadful things", which she said left her family shaken after an incident in Rose Bay, in the city's east.

"The lead was extended by the owner and the dog went crazy," the woman detailed on Facebook. "The lead got wrapped around my daughter and her toddler. [She] shielded her son, grabbed the cord that was wrapped around his neck and she took the brunt of it. She suffered cuts to her hands and leg."

The woman branded the leashes "dangerous" and said the other party involved "wasn’t even aware of the damage caused". "Please stop using those dreadful things," the woman implored.

Aussies call for ban on problem dog leads

Many responding to the encounter agreed the leads should be banned. "Hate the things. The one and only time I used one it sliced through three of my fingers. Long leads are much safer," a woman said. Another wrote that "so many people not aware of how dangerous they are".

Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a spokesperson for RSPCA NSW also called on dog owners to avoid them where possible. "Retractable leashes are not recommended by RSPCA NSW, nor are extendable or 'bungee' leads, as these types of leashes give owners less control of their animal," the spokesperson told Yahoo.

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RSPCA warns against leads giving less control

The extendable mechanism of these types of leads means owners can sometimes be left with little control over their animal. "A lack of effective control can mean that your dog may get too close to hazards whilst walking, such as traffic, or something dangerous they could eat, like bait.

"They may also come into contact with other animals, which has the potential to cause undue stress or injury to themselves as well as the other animal," the RSPCA spokesperson added.

If a dog "suddenly takes off" and reaches the end of the leash, they continued, "they can receive a jerk which could damage their neck". "These types of leashes also encourage unwanted behaviour such as pulling on walks."

"The long length and nature of these leashes mean there is a risk of dogs getting entangled and subsequently injured. Potential entanglement is also a danger to people as a dog can wrap the leash around people’s legs, causing a trip hazard and/or injury."

Vet association calls for owner responsibility

While the RSPCA urged Aussies to avoid retractable leads, the Australian Veterinary Association said it held a different view, instead urging people to "ensure that their animals are under control at all times".

"Owners have a responsibility to ensure that their animals are under control," a spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia. "If they feel they can not do this with the use of a retractable lead then they should choose another lead option. Having a good understanding of their dog's behaviour around other dogs can help owners determine if the risk of using one of these leads is too high.

They said retractable leads can be dangerous if risk mitigation strategies are not put into place to prevent dangerous scenarios. "If people are unsure which lead option they should choose for their pet, talking to your vet is a good place to start," the spokesperson said.

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