Englewood's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Englewood, New Jersey, there are 5 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.

Breed Restrictions

Englewood requires special licensing and muzzling for dogs declared vicious or potentially dangerous, focusing on behavior rather than breed.

Key details: Breed bans: Not enforced. Special license: Required if vicious. Muzzle: Required off-property. Standard: Behavior-based.

Failing to obtain the special license, taking a designated vicious dog off-property without a muzzle, or violating restrictions in the special license each violate the dog ordinance.

Compared to other cities, Englewood takes a harder line on breed restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Animal Hoarding

Englewood caps cats and dogs at six per household combined, with additional pets requiring written approval from the Health Officer.

Key details: Pet cap: 6 cats/dogs total. Exceedance: Health Officer approval. Standard: No public nuisance. Authority: Board of Health.

Keeping more than six cats or dogs without Board of Health approval, or maintaining animals in conditions that create a nuisance or health hazard, violates Chapter 464.

Chickens & Livestock

Englewood limits residents to six hens per tract, prohibits roosters, and requires an annual license through the Board of Health.

Key details: Hen limit: 6 per tract. Roosters: Prohibited. License: Annual, required. Multifamily lots: Not allowed.

Keeping roosters, exceeding the six-hen limit, allowing chickens to roam, or failing to obtain the required annual hen license each constitute a violation enforced by the Board of Health.

Wildlife Feeding

Englewood prohibits feeding unconfined wildlife in any public park or City-owned property, plus feeding stray unlicensed cats anywhere in town.

Key details: Park feeding: Prohibited. Stray cat fine: Up to $1,000. Jail: Up to 90 days. Enforcement: Police and Health.

Feeding ducks, geese, or other unconfined wildlife in a City park, or feeding stray unlicensed cats in Englewood, both violate the ordinance and trigger enforcement action.

Dog Leash Laws

Englewood requires dogs off the owner's property to be on a leash no longer than six feet, including the hand grip.

Key details: Max leash length: 6 feet total. Parks: Leash on paths only. At-large penalty: Impoundment. Applies to: All dogs.

Walking a dog off-leash, using a leash longer than six feet, or allowing a dog to roam off your property triggers impoundment and fines under the Animals chapter.

The Bottom Line

Englewood'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 Englewood is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Englewood can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.