The invention is an improved oblong sliding latch which interacts with a guiding means to guide the latch along a path to engage and secure a gate. The latch is moved along the path through gravity or other forces to engage the latch with the gate. A constriction is provided to gradually reduce the velocity of the latch to zero as the latch engages the gate to eliminate the sharp sound which can frighten an animal. A detent is also provided at the opposite end of the path to maintain the latch in a disengaged position until manually disengaged.
