Irvington, NJ Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

The park restriction was last amended October 14, 2015, under Ordinance No. MC 3553, building on earlier amendments in 1983, 2009 and 2014, and it carves out exceptions only for pet shops, permitted dog shows, and K-9 demonstrations run by the Department of Public Safety. An animal found in a park without its owner present is seized and impounded outright; one found in a park with its owner present gets a warning first, from a Department of Public Safety officer, a park or playground attendant, the Animal Control Officer, or a Department of Health official, with repeat violations then drawing the seizure penalty.

Outside parks, Section 167-12 extends seizure authority to any dog or cat at large on abandoned private lots or in abandoned buildings, and even to an animal found on someone else's private property, though in that last case the property owner has to request the seizure and sign a waiver releasing the Township from liability for any damage caused while the animal is caught. Section 167-15 then governs what happens next: the Department of Health or Public Safety impounds the animal, a seven-day hold-and-notice period runs before the Health Director can order it destroyed if unclaimed, and the owner owes a $4 daily release fee plus any additional boarding costs.