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.
See how Teaneck's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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