Animal Ordinances in Garfield, NJ: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Garfield or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Garfield has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Chickens & Livestock

Garfield requires a permit from the Health Officer to keep small animals such as chickens, rabbits, or poultry on any premises within the city.

Key details: Permit Required: Yes, from Health Officer. Default Fee: $100 per calendar year. Confinement: Must stay on licensed premises. Denial Grounds: Nuisance or health concern.

Keeping chickens, poultry, rabbits, or similar small animals without a Health Officer permit, or letting them roam off the licensed property.

Dog Leash Laws

Garfield prohibits owners from letting any animal run at large; dogs must be on a leash and under physical control of a capable handler.

Key details: Leash Required: Yes, in public. Handler Requirement: Physically able to control. Impoundment: By Animal Control Officer. Costs: Owner pays impound fees.

Allowing a dog or other animal off-leash in public, or letting an animal roam unsupervised off the owner's property within Garfield.

The rules around dog leash laws in Garfield lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Wildlife Feeding

Garfield bans feeding waterfowl, songbirds, pigeons, and backyard birds on public property and limits private feeding to small, nuisance-free amounts.

Key details: Public Property: Bird feeding prohibited. Feeder Capacity: Five pounds maximum. Nuisance Standard: No droppings buildup allowed. Covered Birds: Waterfowl, songbirds, pigeons.

Feeding birds in city parks or on city property, or maintaining oversized or messy bird feeders on private property that disturb neighbors.

The rules around wildlife feeding in Garfield lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Garfield gives residents more room on animal ordinances. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

This guide is based on Garfield's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.