East Orange, NJ Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Section 132-2 of Chapter 132, Dogs, Cats and Other Animals, is a flat prohibition: 'No person shall keep, maintain or harbor any wild animal within the City.' The chapter's definitions section, § 132-1, reinforces the line between lawful and unlawful pets by defining a 'household pet' as birds, cats, dogs 'or other animals normally available at pet shops, which, by reason of their species, condition or character, are domesticated and not dangerous,' and it expressly excludes 'any cat naturally existing in the wild state' from that definition.

There is no permitting pathway, size exception, or educational or zoo carve-out written into this article for keeping a wild animal as a pet; the ban applies citywide regardless of enclosure or containment. Enforcement runs through the Animal Control Officer, employed by the Department of Public Safety under § 132-6, whose duties under § 132-7 include controlling animals 'to prevent destruction of property, disturbance to peace and quiet and creation of hazard to public health and safety' and who may seize animals found in violation.

Because § 132-2 sits within Article I of Chapter 132, a violation falls under the chapter's general penalty clause, § 132-29A, rather than any lesser fine schedule reserved for specific dog-related sections like leash or noise violations.