Toms River, NJ Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- At-large ban
- No dog may run at large at any time
- Leash requirement
- Required in public places, highways, sidewalks
- Fine range
- $25-$100 or up to 30 days jail
- Owner liability
- Owner responsible for all dog-caused damages
- License mandate
- Every dog must be licensed and show proof
- Hunting exception
- Off-leash allowed while actively hunting
Summary
Toms River Township bans dogs running at large at any time and requires a leash in any public place, highway, or sidewalk. The Township Code holds owners liable for damages their dog causes, requires every dog to carry proof of state license, and defines "dog" to cover all canines regardless of age, sex, or breed. Violations carry fines up to $100 or jail.
§ 165-2. Running at large. No dog shall run at large at any time in this municipality. § 165-3. Leashing. Any dog in any public place or on any of the public highways or sidewalks shall be on leash and in the immediate custody and control of its owner or custodian. § 165-8.2. Violations and penalties. For §§ 165-2 through 165-7, any person, whether as owner or custodian of a dog, convicted of a violation of any of the provisions of this article shall be, upon conviction of any of the provisions hereof, subject to a fine or penalty of not less than $25 and not exceeding $100, irrespective of the number of offenses, or imprisonment in the Ocean County Jail for a term not exceeding 30 days, or both, at the discretion of the Judge before which such conviction is had.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4954830; v33 updated 2026-04-22; through 04-22-2026).
Full Breakdown
Article II of Chapter 165, adopted December 9, 2008 by Ordinance No. 4168-08, sets the township's core dog-control rules. Section 165-2 is absolute: "No dog shall run at large at any time in this municipality," with no seasonal or geographic carve-out. Section 165-3 requires that any dog in a public place, on a public highway, or on a sidewalk be "on leash and in the immediate custody and control of its owner or custodian" at all times. The only relief from continuous restraint appears at Section 165-4, which permits a dog to be off-leash while actively engaged in hunting or training for hunting, so long as it remains under its handler's immediate control, custody and management.
Section 165-5 makes the dog's owner or custodian financially responsible for any damage the animal causes, and Section 165-6 requires every dog in the township to be licensed under state law and to "bear evidence of such license at all times." Section 165-7 defines "dog" broadly to include "all canines, irrespective of age, sex or breed," so puppies and every recognized breed are covered equally.
Enforcement runs through the Chief Animal Control Officer and Assistant Animal Control Officers under Section 165-1, who process complaints, keep violation records, and may seize a dog found at large. A separate, escalating penalty schedule applies only to unlawful tethering under Section 165-8 and is not the fine structure that governs a leash or at-large citation.
Violations & Fines
A first conviction for running a dog at large (Section 165-2) or failing to leash it in public (Section 165-3) draws a fine of not less than $25 and not more than $100, regardless of how many prior offenses the owner has, or up to 30 days in the Ocean County Jail, or both, at the sentencing judge's discretion. Tethering violations under Section 165-8 are punished separately under an escalating $100/$200/$300 schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash in my own yard in Toms River?
What happens if my leashed dog bites someone?
Is there an exception for hunting dogs?
How much can I be fined for a leash violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Toms River
Compare Toms River to another location·View the New Jersey animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle dog leash laws.