East Orange, NJ Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Dog control in the City of East Orange is governed by Chapter 132 (Dogs, Cats and Other Animals), Article II (Cats and Dogs) of the City Code, available on eCode360. The general rule is that dogs on public streets, sidewalks, and other public property must be restrained by a leash no longer than six feet in length held by a person capable of controlling the animal. As an alternative to a leash, a dog may be prevented from biting by having its jaws confined by a securely fastened muzzle. Dogs commonly and frequently used for security purposes are subject to stricter restraint: they must be securely muzzled and restrained by a leash or tether approved by the Animal Control Officer with a minimum tensile strength of 300 pounds, sufficient to restrict movement to a radius of no more than three feet from the licensee and under the licensee's direct supervision. No dogs or other domestic animals, leashed or unleashed, are permitted in any public park or playground, except that a dog under the control of a leash may be brought directly to or from an area designated by the City as a dog run, without diversion. Any person having care or custody of a dog must at all times keep the animal under such control as to halt or prevent menacing, intimidation, or continuing barking or other noises that disturb persons lawfully in the vicinity. East Orange's local rules are layered on top of New Jersey statutory authority, including N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.1 et seq. (the state Dog Licensing Law), which authorizes municipalities to regulate dog control, licensing, and impoundment, and N.J.S.A. 4:19-17 et seq. (vicious and potentially dangerous dog provisions). Violations of Chapter 132 are enforced by the East Orange Animal Control Officer and the Police Department, with penalties set under the City Code's general penalty provisions.