Passaic County, NJ Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash requirement
- One leash carried per dog, at all times
- Gate rule
- Leashed entering and leaving the dog park
- Prohibited collars
- Spiked, pronged or choke collars
- Aggressive dogs
- Must be leashed and removed
- Applies to
- County dog park grounds only
Summary
Passaic County requires every owner to carry a leash for each dog and to remain with their dog at all times inside a county dog park, and dogs must be leashed on entry and exit. The county does not set a general leash law for streets or private property: that is municipal.
Section 9. Dog owners must always remain with their dogs and must carry a leash for each dog at all times. No puppies younger than 4 months. Section 10. Dogs 6 months or older must be spayed or neutered. Section 11. No spiked, pronged, or choke collars. ... Dogs with a history of dangerous or aggressive behavior are prohibited. If your dog becomes aggressive, it must be leashed and removed from the dog run area. Dogs must be leashed prior to entering and upon leaving the dog park area.
Full Breakdown
" The rule is paired with other Article VI conditions specific to the county's dog park facilities, no spiked, pronged or choke collars are allowed, dogs with a history of dangerous or aggressive behavior are prohibited outright, and a dog that becomes aggressive inside the run "must be leashed and removed from the dog run area," showing the leash requirement is enforced as an active control measure, not just a paperwork condition. Owners must also properly secure the dog park's entry gates on the way in and out.
Because this ordinance governs only property the county itself owns, leases or controls, the leash-and-remain requirement applies on the grounds of a Passaic County dog park; it is not a countywide leash law for sidewalks, yards or streets, which New Jersey leaves to each municipality's own animal-control code.
Violations & Fines
The ordinance's enforcement clause sends violations of the park rules to the municipal court for the territory where the violation occurred, and authorizes the Board of County Commissioners to impose imprisonment not exceeding ninety days, a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars, or both. Any permit or privilege of use tied to the park, including dog park access, is subject to revocation on conviction under the ordinance's permit-revocation provision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a leash inside a Passaic County dog park's off-leash area?
What collars are banned in Passaic County dog parks?
Does Passaic County have a leash law for dogs on the street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Passaic County
Compare Passaic County to another location·View the New Jersey animal ordinances overview
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