Perth Amboy, NJ Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Street leash limit
- Not more than six feet long (§ 199-24)
- Handler age
- Person over twelve on streets; 16 or older at dog parks
- Dog park limit
- Two dogs per person
- Dog park fine
- Minimum $100, not to exceed $2,000
- Other leash violations
- $100 to $1,000, up to 10 days, or both
- Redemption, city resident
- $15 first day, $5 each day after
Summary
In the City of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, a dog on any public street or public place must be securely confined and controlled by an adequate leash not more than six feet long, held by a person over twelve. Running at large is banned, with an exception for designated dog parks.
A. No person owning, keeping or harboring any dog shall allow it to suffer or permit it to run at large upon the public streets or in any public park, in any public building or in any other public place within the City of Perth Amboy in the County of Middlesex, except as set forth herein with respect to any designated dog park. ... (9) Dogs outside the off-leash area must be leashed at all times with a leash not to exceed a length of six feet. ... C. Penalties for violation of dog park rules. Any person who violates the rules and regulations set forth in this Section 199-23 shall, upon conviction thereof, be subject to a minimum fine of $100, with any fine not to exceed $2,000. § 199-24. Leashing of dogs on public streets. ... Except as set forth in Section 199-23 with respect to any designated dog park, 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 City of Perth Amboy unless such dog is accompanied by a person over the age of twelve (12) years and is securely confined and controlled by an adequate leash not more than six feet long.
Full Breakdown
Two sections of Chapter 199 work together. Section 199-23(A) bars any person owning, keeping or harboring a dog from allowing it to run at large upon the public streets, in any public park, in any public building or in any other public place within the City of Perth Amboy in the County of Middlesex. Section 199-24 adds the affirmative standard: a dog can be on the public streets or in public places only when accompanied by a person over the age of twelve years and securely confined and controlled by an adequate leash not more than six feet long. Both sections were amended by Ord. No. 2143-2024 on 1-24-2024.
The exception is the designated dog park. Inside the off-leash area the rules in § 199-23(B) apply instead: the park's hours follow the hours of the City park it sits in, each person is limited to two dogs, and every dog must be accompanied at all times by a person 16 or older. No children under 16 are allowed inside the off-leash area unless accompanied by an adult. No puppies younger than four months old and no dogs in heat are permitted, spiked, pronged or choke collars are prohibited, and no food is permitted. Dogs outside the off-leash area must be leashed at all times with a leash not to exceed six feet. Owners must immediately clean up their dog's feces, must have valid license tags from the City Clerk, and must report all dog bites to the Perth Amboy Animal Shelter Enforcement Officer at (732) 324-3877.
Owners are strictly responsible and liable for the actions of their dog and for any damage to property or persons, and everyone using the park assumes all risks.
A loose dog can also be picked up. Section 199-16 directs the Animal Control Officer or Health Officer to impound a dog off its owner's premises that appears to be a stray or has no current registration tag on its collar. Redemption is $15 for the first day and $5 each day thereafter for city residents, and $35 for the first day and $5 each day thereafter for non-city residents, plus a $4 administrative and pickup charge.
Violations & Fines
Breaking the dog park rules in § 199-23 carries, upon conviction, a minimum fine of $100, with any fine not to exceed $2,000. A violation of the leashing rule in § 199-24 falls under § 199-28: a fine of not less than $100 or more than $1,000, or imprisonment not exceeding ten days, or both, and each day a violation continues is a separate offense. Impound and redemption charges under § 199-16 are added on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Perth Amboy
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle dog leash laws.