Paterson, NJ Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Max leash length
- 6 feet, incl. hand grip
- Applies when
- dog off owner's premises
- Fine
- $50, no court appearance
- Added cost
- $30 court costs
- Enforced by
- police, animal control, health inspectors
Summary
Paterson requires any dog off its owner's premises to be restrained on a leash, tether, chain or rope no longer than six feet, held by someone able to control the dog.
Any dog, licensed or unlicensed, when off the premises of the owner or person keeping, harboring or in charge of such dog shall be restricted by a leash, tether, chain, rope or the like, the overall length of which, including the hand grip, shall not exceed six feet and shall be held by a person able to control such dog.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 121's dog-control article requires that any dog, licensed or unlicensed, be restrained on a leash, tether, chain or rope not exceeding six feet in overall length (including the hand grip) whenever it is off its owner's or keeper's premises, and that the restraint be held by a person able to control the dog. It works alongside the separate at-large and nuisance rules in § 121-10, and is enforced by local police, Health Division sanitary inspectors, animal control officers, Public Works inspectors and metermen.
Violations & Fines
Violations of the leash requirement are punishable by a flat $50 fine, payable at the Violations Bureau without a court appearance, plus $30 in court costs; most other Article I violations carry up to a $1,250 fine or 90 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a dog leash be in Paterson?
What's the fine for an unleashed dog in Paterson?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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