Ask Laz: Use of retractable dog leashes may break the law

Mike was riding his bike in Glendale the other day. Suddenly a dog on a fully extended retractable leash lunged at him from the sidewalk, forcing him into traffic.

“I was not hit, but it was close,” Mike said.

His question: Are those retractable leashes, which can extend to 20 feet and are popular with dog owners, legal?

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I can see both sides of this issue. I’ve been a bike rider all my life (although I do considerably less street riding in Los Angeles than I did in the Bay Area). I always keep a wary eye on nearby hounds.

But as a dog owner, I know that walks are much more enjoyable when your canine companion has a little latitude in his or her movements. I don’t use a retractable leash myself -- not enough control for my liking -- but I can see the benefits.

So the answer to Mike’s question is that these things are legal -- and they’re not.

In L.A., the municipal code says that “if you take or allow your dog off your property or place of residence, you must have it restrained by a substantial chain or leash not exceeding 6 feet in length.”

“Failure to do so could result in a stiff fine,” it warns. That fine could run as high as $100.

Retractable leashes are kosher as long as they’re not extended more than the requisite 6 feet. Once they become longer -- and let’s face it, this happens all the time -- they no longer comply with city law.

I’ve never heard of a dog owner being cited for an overextended leash. Nor do I think this is something cops are routinely watching for.

I suppose you could attempt a citizen’s arrest in situations like this. But the more sensible move would be to remind a dog owner of the leash rule and hope for the best.

Or just keep your distance, if you’re not in a pooch-petting mood, any time you see an extended leash.

If you have a consumer question, email me at asklaz@latimes.com or contact me via Twitter @Davidlaz.