Long Branch's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Long Branch, New Jersey, there are 4 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.

Beekeeping

Long Branch does not have a specific beekeeping ordinance. New Jersey regulates beekeeping at the state level through the NJ Department of Agriculture, which requires registration of all apiaries. Beekeepers must comply with NJ Bee Inspection regulations (N.J.S.A. 4:6-1 et seq.).

Key details: Local Ordinance: None specific. State Registration: Required (NJDA). State Law: N.J.S.A. 4:6-1. Nuisance: General provisions apply.

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

Long Branch is more permissive than most cities when it comes to beekeeping. That said, there are still limits.

Breed Restrictions

Long Branch does not impose 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.), which classifies dogs by behavior rather than breed. BSL is rare across New Jersey.

Key details: BSL: None — behavior-based. State Law: N.J.S.A. 4:19-17. Dangerous Dog: $500K insurance required. Approach: Individual assessment.

Potentially dangerous dog: $500K insurance, confinement, muzzle required. Vicious dog: court-ordered destruction possible. Failure to comply: fines and criminal charges.

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

Dog Leash Laws

Dogs in Long Branch must be leashed in public areas. Dogs are allowed on beaches October 1 through April 30 (Seaview to Brighton Avenue) with leashes and waste pickup required. Dogs are prohibited on all beaches May 1 through September 30 and on the boardwalk/promenade year-round.

Key details: Leash: Required in public. Beach Season: Oct 1–Apr 30 only. Summer Beach: Dogs prohibited May–Sep. Boardwalk: Dogs prohibited always.

Dog at large: fine per municipal code. Dog on beach in summer: summons. Unlicensed dog: separate violation under Ch. 109.

Exotic Pets

New Jersey has one of the strictest exotic pet laws in the nation. The NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife requires permits for all exotic and nongame species under N.J.A.C. 7:25-4. Many species are outright prohibited. Long Branch follows state regulations without additional local restrictions.

Key details: Permits: Required for exotics. State Code: N.J.A.C. 7:25-4. Prohibited: Primates, large cats, bears. Severity: Among strictest in US.

Unpermitted exotic pet: confiscation, fines under N.J.A.C. 7:25-4. Criminal charges possible for prohibited species.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Long Branch actively enforces its exotic pets requirements.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Long Branch gives residents more room on animal ordinances. 2 of the 4 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.

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