Ridgewood prohibits keeping, harboring, or possessing wild animals on any premises within the Village to protect public health, welfare, and emergency safety.
Chapter 105, Article V of the Ridgewood Code governs Harboring Wild Animals. The ordinance defines a wild animal as a species dangerous to humans or savage in nature, living ordinarily at large and not customarily made tame, regardless of whether a particular owner considers their animal a pet. No person may keep, maintain, harbor, or possess any wild animal at any premises within the Village. If an animal is classified as wild by the Village, the owner has 15 days from notice mailing to remove the animal or file a notice of appeal challenging the classification.
Keeping a prohibited wild animal can result in removal orders, daily fines, and confiscation. Failure to comply within 15 days of notice triggers enforcement action.
See how other cities in Bergen County handle exotic pets.
See how Ridgewood's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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