NY Agriculture & Markets Law §107(5) preempts breed-specific legislation statewide, so Orange County NY and its municipalities (Newburgh, Middletown, Goshen) cannot ban pit bulls or any other breed. Dangerous-dog determinations are behavior-based under Ag & Markets §123.
New York State expressly preempts all breed-specific legislation through NY Agriculture & Markets Law §107(5), which bars any municipality from enacting a dog-control law that targets a specific breed. This applies equally to Orange County, the cities of Newburgh, Middletown, and Port Jervis, and every town and village in the county. Dangerous-dog cases proceed under Ag & Markets §123, requiring a judicial hearing before a town, village, or city court. A judge may order confinement, muzzling, neutering, microchipping, or humane euthanasia only after a finding that the dog caused injury or behaved menacingly. Rental communities and insurers may still set breed policies privately, but no Orange County ordinance can restrict ownership by breed.
Dangerous dog not confined: up to $400 and/or 90 days jail (Ag & Markets §123). Dog bite causing serious physical injury: up to $1,500 and $3,000 restitution. Unlicensed dog (any breed): $10-$50 per town.
Orange County, NY
Amplified music audible beyond property lines after 10 PM is a violation in most Orange County municipalities. Outdoor venue permits required for events at B...
Orange County, NY
Overnight on-street parking in Orange County NY varies by municipality. The City of Newburgh bans on-street parking 2 AM to 6 AM from November through April ...
Orange County, NY
Orange County NY municipalities require sight-triangle clearance at intersections. The typical rule: no visual obstructions over 30 inches tall within 25-30 ...
Orange County, NY
Orange County NY follows NY State Fire Code and 6 NYCRR Part 215. Recreational fires allowed in towns under 20,000 population with restrictions. Towns set lo...
Orange County, NY
Orange County NY has moderate wildfire risk concentrated in the Hudson Highlands, Shawangunk Ridge, and Harriman/Bear Mountain State Park areas. Unlike weste...
Orange County, NY
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in Orange County NY. Rain barrels for non-potable garden and landscape use are encouraged by the NY DEC and Cornell Coope...
See how Orange County's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.