04/08/2002

By Carl Click and Teresa Bell, KGW Staff

An Oregon woman who lost her hand in an accident with a retractable dog leash said they are dangerous and she wants the popular product taken off the market.

Nancy Jodoin was using a flexi classic retractable leash with her dog a year ago when her dog Angel took off unexpectedly. The nylon cord wrapped around her and severed three fingers.

Monday she filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer and the company, Petco, that sold her the leash.

“I’m not so concerned about a settlement, I really think it's a dangerous product and it should be taken off the market, that is my goal,” she said.

Type of dog leash that an Oregon woman says caused her to be severely injured. (KGW Photo)

“This company is well aware of the dangers of this product,” attorney Derek Johnson said.

The company has ample warnings in the packaging that specifically address cutting and burning hazards if the leash is not handled properly.

It’s a very popular product used by dog owners all over the nation – including Portland’s Gabriel Park.

Flexi-USA said the Consumer Product Safety Commission has reviewed the warnings on the packaging and said the company’s efforts are acceptable.

The company has settled previous lawsuits out of court. The plaintiff in this case said she may not be interested in settling because she wants to see the leash gone – or at least changed.