How Lakewood Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Lakewood maintains 38 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Lakewood falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Dog Leash Laws

Lakewood requires all dogs to be leashed and under owner control when off their property, per NJ state law. Dog owners must immediately remove feces from public areas and private property. All dogs must be licensed. The Animal Control Officer conducts monthly inspections.

Key details: Code Section: Chapter 5. Leash Required: Yes, off owner's property. Waste Removal: Immediate cleanup required. Monthly Inspections: By Animal Control Officer.

General municipal penalties. Dogs at large may be impounded. Failure to clean up waste is independently enforceable.

Compared to other cities, Lakewood takes a harder line on dog leash laws. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Beekeeping

Lakewood does not appear to have a specific beekeeping ordinance. NJ state law requires registration of hives with the State Apiarist under N.J.S.A. 4:6-9 et seq. Beekeepers must verify compliance with their zoning district.

Key details: Local Ordinance: None specific to beekeeping. State Registration: Required (N.J.S.A. 4:6-9). Annual Inspection: Required by State Apiarist. Zoning Check: Verify with Zoning Office.

Failure to register with the State Apiarist may result in state enforcement. Local nuisance complaints handled under general code provisions.

The rules around beekeeping in Lakewood lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Exotic Pets

New Jersey has restrictive exotic animal laws under N.J.A.C. 7:25-4.1 et seq. Most exotic species require a NJDEP permit. Lakewood enforces state requirements through its Animal Control division.

Key details: State Regulation: N.J.A.C. 7:25-4.1. Permit Required: NJDEP for most exotics. Prohibited Species: Various (primates, large cats, bears). Enforcement: NJDEP & Animal Control.

Possessing an exotic animal without a NJDEP permit carries state wildlife violation penalties.

This is one of the stricter rules in Lakewood's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Breed Restrictions

Lakewood does not have breed-specific legislation. New Jersey follows a behavior-based approach under the Vicious and Potentially Dangerous Dog Act (N.J.S.A. 4:19-17 et seq.).

Key details: Breed Bans: None. State Law: N.J.S.A. 4:19-17 (behavior-based). Determination By: Municipal Court. BSL in NJ: Very rare.

Potentially dangerous dog license fees are elevated. Non-compliance with court orders may result in seizure.

Lakewood is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Lakewood'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 Lakewood is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Lakewood 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.