West New York, NJ Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Article IV of Chapter 174 of the Code of the Town of West New York was adopted 8-17-1994 as part of Ord. No. 92/94. Section 174-25 defines a dangerous animal as any mammal, reptile or fowl which is not naturally tame or gentle and which, because of its size, vicious nature or other characteristics, would constitute a danger to human life or property if it is not kept or maintained in a safe manner or in secure quarters. The definition names no species list. It turns on the animal's nature and size, and it reaches reptiles and fowl as well as mammals. Section 174-26 bars owning, keeping or harboring such an animal in the town and bars permitting it to be exhibited or walked in public anywhere in the town. The article defines owner to include the owner, keeper, handler or harborer.

Complaint process under § 174-27: on the written complaint of any person, the Chief of Police must forthwith investigate. If the facts show the named person owns or harbors a dangerous animal, the Chief sends written notice requiring the animal to be safely removed from the town within two days of the date of the notice.

No notice is required where the animal has previously caused or threatened to cause serious physical harm or death to any person, or has escaped and is at large. In that case the Chief of Police causes the animal to be immediately seized and impounded, or killed if seizure and impoundment are not possible without risk of serious physical harm or death. If the owner ignores the notice, the Chief causes the animal to be seized and impounded and delivered to a place of confinement, which can be an organization authorized by law to accept and keep such animals. During seizure, authorized persons can use tranquilizers or other safe drugs, and if that is not safely possible the animal can be killed.

Section 174-28 charges the reasonable costs of seizing, impounding and confining the animal to the owner, keeper or harborer, in addition to any fine.