Bloomfield's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Bloomfield, New Jersey, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Dog Leash Laws

Bloomfield Township Code Chapter 134 (Animals) prohibits any dog or cat - whether licensed or not - from running at large within the Township. A dog is deemed at large whenever it is off the owner's premises and not on a leash, tether, chain, or rope no longer than six feet (including the hand grip), held by a person able to control the animal. Tethering an unattended dog to a stationary object is generally prohibited, with a narrow exception capped at four hours per interval and seven hours total in any 24-hour period. New Jersey state law at N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.1 et seq. governs licensing for dogs of licensing age (seven months or with a permanent set of teeth).

Key details: Code Chapter: Ch. 134 (Animals). Leash Required: Off-premises, max 6 ft including grip. At-Large Rule: Unlawful for dogs and cats. Tethering Cap: Max 4 hrs/interval, 7 hrs/24 hrs. License Age: 7 months (N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.1).

Violations of Chapter 134 are enforced by the Township's Animal Control Officer and Police Department. Under New Jersey law applicable to local dog ordinances, a person convicted of violating a local dog ordinance is subject to a fine of not less than $25 and not exceeding $100 per offense, or up to 30 days in the county jail, or both, at the discretion of the court. Dogs found at large may be impounded; owners must pay impound and boarding fees and produce proof of current rabies vaccination and a license to redeem the animal. Failure to license a dog of licensing age is a separate violation. Repeat or aggravated violations - including dogs that bite or are declared potentially dangerous - are processed under N.J.S.A. 4:19-17 et seq. (vicious and potentially dangerous dog procedures).

Exotic Pets

Bloomfield Ch. 586 prohibits livestock and fowl. Other exotic animals are regulated by NJ state law (N.J.S.A. 23:4-61.1 et seq.) — no statewide exotic pet preemption; local rules and NJDEP apply.

Key details: Code: Ch. 586 (Animals). State Law: N.J.S.A. 23:4-61.1 (wildlife control). Livestock/Fowl: Banned by Township. Contact: Code Enforcement for specific animals.

Confiscation of prohibited animals. Fines $500 to $5,000. Criminal charges possible for dangerous species. Owner liable for damages from escaped animals.

Beekeeping

No specific beekeeping ordinance found for Bloomfield. Given the township's broad prohibition on fowl and livestock, beekeeping status should be verified with Code Enforcement. NJ bee inspection law (N.J.S.A. 4:10-1) applies statewide.

Key details: Township Code: Verify with Code Enforcement. State Law: N.J.S.A. 4:10-1 (bee inspection). Registration: NJ Dept of Agriculture required. Contact: Code Enforcement: 973-680-4000.

Unauthorized hives: removal order. Nuisance complaints: mediation then fines. State registration violation: NJ Dept of Agriculture enforcement.

The Bottom Line

Bloomfield's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Bloomfield is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Bloomfield's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.