Mahwah's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Mahwah, 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.

Chickens & Livestock

Mahwah requires a Board of Health license to keep any live fowl, including chickens, ducks, geese, and pigeons. Crowing roosters and screaming or chattering fowl are unlawful, and applicants must provide sanitary keeping conditions to qualify for licensure.

Key details: License fee 1-5 fowl: $75 annual. License fee 6-10 fowl: $125 annual. Roosters: Crowing prohibited. Issuing authority: Board of Health.

Keeping fowl without a license, allowing crowing roosters, or maintaining unsanitary fowl conditions are violations. The Board of Health may revoke licensure and pursue penalties under the township health code if conditions are not corrected.

Dog Leash Laws

Mahwah defines dogs running at large as off the owner's property and not on a leash. Dogs on nonresidential premises must be confined or leashed, and kennel or shelter dogs may not leave premises except on a leash or in a crate.

Key details: Leash required: Off-property at all times. License age: Over seven months. Rabies certificate: Valid through November 1. Enforcement: Mahwah Police Department.

Permitting a dog to run at large, failing to leash on nonresidential property, or transporting kennel dogs without a leash or crate constitute violations. Unlicensed dogs over seven months also violate the township code and may result in fines plus impoundment.

Wildlife Feeding

Mahwah prohibits feeding unconfined wildlife in any public park or on township-owned or operated property. Violations carry fines up to $100 or up to ten days in county jail, with confined zoo, park, and rehabilitation animals exempt from the rule.

Key details: Minimum fine: $5. Maximum fine: $100. Maximum jail: 10 days. Scope: Township-owned property.

Placing food, scraps, or feed accessible to deer, geese, bears, or other wildlife on township parks or municipal property is a violation. Continued feeding after a cease order issued by police escalates penalties under the ordinance.

The Bottom Line

Mahwah'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 Mahwah is broadly strict or permissive.

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