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

Section 224-24, Control of dogs in public places, sits in Article I, Animal Control, of Chapter 224, Animals. It bars any dog owner or keeper from letting a dog onto public streets or public places unless a responsible person accompanies the dog and it is securely confined and controlled on an adequate leash of no more than six feet. Subsection B carves out an exception for dogs running while hunting, training, or in trial or practice runs, so long as the dog stays under the control of its owner or another responsible person and the activity does not conflict with state fish and game law.

A separate but related rule, § 224-19, Running at large, bars any dog or other domestic animal from running loose on public streets, in public parks or buildings, or on any private premises other than the animal's own owner's, regardless of leash use. The Vineland Police Department and a certified animal control officer, who may act under a Humane Society contract per § 224-17, enforce both provisions and may seize a stray or unleashed dog found off its owner's premises.