Bergen County does not impose breed-specific dog restrictions. New Jersey state law (N.J.S.A. 4:19-36) preempts municipalities and counties from enacting breed-discriminatory ordinances against pit bulls or other specific breeds.
Under New Jersey law, no municipality or county may regulate dogs based solely on breed, type, or appearance. This preemption applies fully to Bergen County, meaning pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and other breeds sometimes restricted elsewhere are legal to own. However, individual dogs may be declared potentially dangerous or vicious under N.J.S.A. 4:19-17 through 4:19-37 following bite incidents or aggressive behavior, regardless of breed. Owners of dogs declared vicious face strict containment, insurance, and signage requirements. Bergen County's Animal Shelter in Teterboro handles intake and adoption regardless of breed.
Owning a dog declared vicious without compliance may bring fines up to $1,000 and potential euthanasia of the animal.
Fair Lawn, NJ
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Fair Lawn, NJ
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Fair Lawn, NJ
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Fair Lawn, NJ
Fair Lawn limits fences to four feet in front yards and six feet in side and rear yards within residential zoning districts under the Borough Code.
Fair Lawn, NJ
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Fair Lawn, NJ
Fair Lawn requires every swimming pool, hot tub and spa to be enclosed by a permanent fence or barrier under Borough Code Section 125-38 and the New Jersey a...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Bergen County.
See how other cities in Bergen County handle breed restrictions.
See how Fair Lawn's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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