Stafford Township, NJ Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Two sections do the work. Section 60-8A bars any dog, cattle, goat, swine, fowl or like animal or livestock from running, or being permitted by its owner to run, upon a public street, sidewalk, thoroughfare, park, playground, school yard or any public place of the Township, or upon private property without the prior consent of the owner. Section 60-15, added 12-20-1994 by Ord. No. 94-113, supplies the restraint standard: anyone owning, keeping or harboring a dog or like animal or livestock cannot permit it in those public places unless it is controlled by an adequate leash or tether not more than six feet long.

Hunting is the one exclusion, in § 60-8B. A dog being used by its owner or keeper for hunting, or in training for hunting, stays within the immediate custody of the owner or keeper, the activity is conducted in designated areas only, and in no event is the dog allowed on private property without the owner's prior consent.

Enforcement runs through the Animal Control Officer. Section 60-12A directs the officer to take into custody and impound, and then destroy or offer for adoption, any dog running at large within the Township, any dog or cat not licensed or tagged, and any dog off the owner's premises that is believed to be a stray. When an impounded animal wears a collar or harness with a name, address or registration tag, or the owner is known, the officer serves written notice that the animal has been seized and will be offered for adoption or destroyed if not claimed within seven days after service. Under § 60-12D the officer can cause the animal to be destroyed or offered for adoption seven days after seizure, provided notice was given and the animal remains unclaimed.

Two related duties round out the picture. Section 60-3 requires a license and an official metal registration tag for each dog or cat, with the tag securely fastened to a collar or harness. Section 60-17 keeps dogs out of stores and other buildings that members of the public at large are invited or expected to enter, with Seeing Eye dogs, Hearing Ear animals, service animals and Police Department K-9 dogs specifically excluded.