The Hidden Risks of Retractable Leashes
Retractable dog leashes may offer convenience—stretching several feet to give your pet freedom—but they bring serious dangers for both humans and animals.
Years ago, as a child, we had gotten a retractable leash for our Great Pyrenees and I thought it was the neatest thing ever. I trotted outside with Taz in tow and even though the fence and gates were closed, I attached Taz to the leash and let him pull the line out. He got toward the end and all of a sudden, a neighbor walked their dog past our yard. Taz, being the lovable stinker he was, ran to the fence line like superman on steroids. Poor little Melissa held on for dear life and the next thing I knew, I was face down on the concrete driveway with road rash on both hands and forehead. Taz had pulled the leash out of my hand, but not before reaching the end and pulling me forward and down. Luckily, he didn’t get hurt when it snapped back, and I was fine after a week or so, but there were lessons to be learned from that incident. I’ve hated retractable leads ever since, and now that I’ve got a background and training with animals, I’ve learned even more about how dangerous these leads can be.
Real-Life Incidents That Alarm
Amputated Fingers: In 2005 near Boston, Heather Todd’s borrowed retractable leash turned tragic when her Labrador bolted, the cord snapped around her finger like a knife—and severed it. Medical staff couldn’t reattach it. Consumer Reports
Terrifying Entanglement in Sydney: In Rose Bay, Australia, a dog on a retractable lead wrapped the cord around a toddler and her mother. The mother suffered cuts while shielding her child. The granddaughter’s grandmother publicly condemned retractable leashes for offering less control and risking entanglement injuries. Daily Telegraph
Severe Veterinary Trauma: A cockapoo named Freddie was struck by a taxi while on a retractable leash. His owner noted that the extra leash length was a direct contributor, leading to internal hemorrhaging, pelvic fractures, and colon perforations that required two major surgeries. Vets Now
Psychological and Physical Harm in NSW: A walk ended in disaster when a Staffordshire bull terrier attacked another dog on a retractable leash, injuring both pets and causing the owner serious trauma—including ripped fingernails, PTSD, anxiety, and ongoing psychological suffering. The owner was awarded over $100,000 in damages. News.com.au
Why These Leashes Can Be Dangerous
Temporal lag & poor control: A dog running far ahead means by the time you react, it's often too late—especially near roads or other hazards. Santa Barbara Humane
Cord injuries: Thin cords can cause cuts, burns, or amputations when they tangle around fingers, limbs—or pets. Santa Barbara Humane PetMD
Hard jerks and impact: Abrupt stopping via lock button or cord recoil can damage dogs’ necks, spines, or trachea. Santa Barbara Humane PetMD
Dropped handle risks: If the bulky plastic handle is dropped, the sound and movement can spook pets, triggering flight, injury, or worse. Santa Barbara Humane PetMD
Tangles & trips: The long leash swings around legs, posts, or other pedestrians, increasing trip and fall hazards. Santa Barbara Humane PetMD
Safer Alternatives
Use fixed-length leashes (around 6 ft), especially in urban or high-traffic areas.
Opt for no-pull chest harnesses or long training leads to give freedom while maintaining control.
In Summary
Although they may seem convenient, retractable leashes pose multiple safety risks—from serious physical harm to pets and humans to psychological trauma. Real-life examples illustrate just how quickly a casual walk can turn dangerous. When in doubt, choose control over convenience—and let safety lead the way.
Note: This article was written with the help of Chat GPT to find and cite studies and sources on retractable leads.