Old Bridge, NJ Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Article III, adopted in 2005, establishes municipal regulations governing dangerous dogs without naming any breed. The Animal Control Officer may seize and impound a dog under § 39-28 on reasonable cause to believe it caused death or serious bodily injury, caused bodily injury during an unprovoked attack posing a serious threat, engaged in dog-fighting, or was trained or encouraged to attack. After notice and an opportunity for a hearing under § 39-29, the Municipal Court declares a dog vicious under § 39-31 only on clear and convincing evidence that it killed a person or caused serious bodily injury, or engaged in dog-fighting; a provocation defense shifts the burden of proof to the municipality, and a vicious dog is destroyed humanely unless an appeal is pending.

A dog is declared potentially dangerous under § 39-32 for causing bodily injury during an unprovoked attack posing a serious threat, or for severely injuring or killing another domestic animal while itself posing a threat. Once declared potentially dangerous, § 39-33 requires the owner to obtain a $700 annual municipal license with a tattooed registration number under § 39-40, post a warning sign visible from 50 feet, and maintain a locked, six-foot enclosure with sound sides, top and bottom, separated at least three feet from the confined area; outside the enclosure the dog must be muzzled and tethered within three feet of the owner, and the court may also require liability insurance.

Owners may appeal to the Superior Court, Law Division, for a hearing de novo under § 39-34, and the Animal Control Officer inspects the enclosure at least monthly under § 39-41. The article does not apply to dogs used for law enforcement activities under § 39-43.