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

Chapter 105's Article II defines 'running at large' at § 105-1 as being off the premises of the person owning or controlling the animal, or on another's premises without consent, or on public property, 'unless in a vehicle or restrained by an adequate collar and leash or unless accompanied by a responsible person able to control the animal.' Section 105-8 then flatly states that no dog shall be permitted to run at large, and any dog found doing so may be impounded regardless of whether the owner is caught in the act.

Impoundment procedure runs through § 105-9: the Village pound holds the dog, a licensed dog's owner is notified personally or by mail, and the owner has seven days to redeem the dog by paying the impoundment fee set in Chapter 145 plus up to $1 a day in maintenance; after seven days without redemption, or without notice if none is possible under N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.16, the pound keeper may dispose of the dog humanely, finding it a new home if practicable. Separately, § 105-10 lets any police officer destroy a dog running at large without capturing it first if the dog is acting viciously or shows signs of rabies, with a report to the Health Department and notice to the owner if the dog was licensed.