Paterson's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Paterson, New Jersey, there are 7 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.
Wildlife Feeding
Paterson bars feeding any unconfined wildlife on property the city owns or operates, including parks, with fines up to $1,250 per violation.
Key details: Where it applies: city-owned/operated property only. Max fine: $1,250. Enforced by: Police Dept. and city officials. Exempt: confined wildlife (zoos, rehab). Adopted: Nov. 9, 2005.
Fine up to $1,250 per violation; officers first order the feeding to cease immediately, and continued feeding after that order is the enforceable offense.
Bird Protection
Paterson bars littering private grounds with bird feed that creates a rodent or health hazard, while still allowing ordinary feeding and the keeping of domestic pigeons.
Key details: Prohibited: feeding creating rodent/health hazard. Allowed: ordinary feeding, no hazard. Pigeons: keeping permitted in proper shelter. Max fine: $1,000.
Fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to 90 days, or community service up to 90 days, or a combination, with each day of violation a separate offense.
The rules around bird protection in Paterson lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Chickens & Livestock
Paterson prohibits keeping horses, cows, goats, sheep, pigs, donkeys and other bovine or equine animals citywide, except ponies and horses already kept before May 1984.
Key details: Banned: horses, cows, goats, sheep, pigs. Grandfathered: horses/ponies kept before 5/1/1984. Replacement ponies: allowed, no net increase. Max fine: $1,000.
Fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to 90 days, or community service up to 90 days, or a combination, with each day of violation a separate offense.
Compared to other cities, Paterson takes a harder line on chickens & livestock. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Dog Leash Laws
Paterson requires any dog off its owner's premises to be restrained on a leash, tether, chain or rope no longer than six feet, held by someone able to control the dog.
Key details: Max leash length: 6 feet, incl. hand grip. Applies when: dog off owner's premises. Fine: $50, no court appearance. Added cost: $30 court costs. Enforced by: police, animal control, health inspectors.
Violations of the leash requirement are punishable by a flat $50 fine, payable at the Violations Bureau without a court appearance, plus $30 in court costs; most other Article I violations carry up to a $1,250 fine or 90 days.
Breed Restrictions
Paterson has no breed-specific dog ban; a dog individually found 'potentially dangerous' under state law needs a $150 city license and a secure enclosure.
Key details: Basis: individual finding, not breed. License fee: $150. Enclosure fence: 6 feet minimum height. Insurance: required, city named insured. Issuing office: City Clerk.
The article sets no separate fine schedule; noncompliance is addressed through the Animal Control Officer enforcing the state dangerous-dog compliance orders under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16 et seq.
Compared to other cities, Paterson takes a harder line on breed restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Beekeeping
Paterson bans beehives within 100 feet of public buildings, streets, or parks, and within 100 feet of any neighboring dwelling other than the beekeeper's own home.
Key details: Setback from dwellings: 100 feet minimum. Setback from public property: 100 feet minimum. Exception: beekeeper's own residence. Max fine: $1,000 per violation. Adopted: Dec. 18, 1979.
Fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to 90 days, or up to 90 days of community service; each day a violation continues is a separate offense.
Exotic Pets
Paterson makes it unlawful to keep any poisonous reptile, dangerous wild or carnivorous animal, or other vicious or dangerous animal within city limits.
Key details: Banned: poisonous reptiles, dangerous wild animals. Named species: apes, bears, big cats, wolves. Exception: licensed pet shops, zoos, circuses. Max fine: $1,000.
Fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to 90 days, or community service up to 90 days, or a combination, with each day of violation a separate offense.
This is one of the stricter rules in Paterson's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
The Bottom Line
Paterson is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Paterson, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
This guide is based on Paterson's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.