Lakewood, NJ Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Maximum leash length
- Six feet
- Handler minimum age
- Nine years old
- Companion rule
- At-large ban, § 5-8.6
- Parks repeat the standard
- § 8-7.8(a)(25)
- First offense fine
- Up to $200
Summary
Lakewood Township requires every dog on a public street or in any public place to be on a leash no longer than six feet, controlled by a handler at least nine years old. Code § 5-8.7 sits alongside a separate at-large ban at § 5-8.6, both enforced by the Animal Control Officer and Police under Chapter 5's tiered fine schedule.
No person owning, keeping or harboring any dog shall suffer or permit it to be upon the public streets or in any of the public places of the Township unless such dog is accompanied by a person over the age nine years and is securely confined and controlled by an adequate leash not more than six feet long.
Full Breakdown
6(c) treats any dog found at large as running with its owner's permission, exposing the owner to a summons or warrant. ' Chapter 5 violations, including an unleashed dog on a public street, are punished under the general penalty at § 5-12: up to $200 for a first offense, $200 to $300 for a second, and a mandatory $500 fine plus up to 40 hours of community service and/or 10 days in the Ocean County Jail for a third. The Animal Control Officer, Animal Warden or any Police Officer may enforce the leash law and issue a citation on sight.
Violations & Fines
Violating the six-foot leash rule or the companion at-large ban carries the Chapter 5 penalty schedule at § 5-12: a fine of up to $200 for a first offense, $200 to $300 for a second, and a mandatory $500 fine with up to 40 hours of community service and/or up to 10 days in the Ocean County Jail for a third and later offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a dog's leash be in Lakewood Township?
What happens if a dog is caught running loose in Lakewood?
Do Lakewood's parks have their own leash rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
Compare Lakewood to another location·View the New Jersey animal ordinances overview
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle dog leash laws.