Perth Amboy's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Perth Amboy, 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.

Dog Leash Laws

Perth Amboy Code of Ordinances Chapter 199 (Dogs) requires that any dog on the public streets or in any public place of the City be accompanied by a person over the age of twelve years and securely confined and controlled by an adequate leash not more than six feet long. The chapter also restricts unattended tethering of dogs to stationary objects. New Jersey state law at N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.1 et seq. governs dog licensing for dogs of licensing age (seven months or with a permanent set of teeth), and the Perth Amboy City Clerk issues annual licenses with current rabies vaccination required.

Key details: Code Chapter: Ch. 199 (Dogs). Leash Required: Public streets/places, max 6 ft. Handler Age: Over 12 years old. Tethering Cap: Max 2 hrs/interval, 6 hrs/24 hrs. License Age: 7 months (N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.1).

Violations of Chapter 199 are enforced by the Perth Amboy Animal Control Officer, the Health Officer, and the Police Department. Local penalties for leash and at-large violations are set by ordinance: a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) for a first offense, with recurring offenses not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), in addition to any other remedies available under the Code. Dogs found at large or otherwise in violation may be impounded under Section 199-16; owners must pay impound and boarding fees and produce proof of current rabies vaccination and a valid Perth Amboy license to redeem the animal. Failure to license a dog of licensing age is a separate violation under both Chapter 199 and N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.2. Dogs that bite or are declared potentially dangerous are processed under N.J.S.A. 4:19-17 et seq. and require an additional potentially dangerous dog license on top of any standard license fee under Section 199-4.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping in Perth Amboy is regulated by Chapter 362 and requires approval. Hives must be properly managed in compliance with NJ Department of Agriculture guidelines.

Key details: Local approval: Division of Health review required. State registration: NJ Dept. of Agriculture registration required (N.J.S.A. 4:26-1). Swarm prevention: Hives must be properly managed. Urban density factor: Dense city — neighbor impact considered in approvals.

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

Exotic Pets

Exotic and wild animals are prohibited as pets in Perth Amboy under Chapter 362 and New Jersey state law.

Key details: Exotic animals: Generally prohibited in residential areas. State law: N.J.A.C. 7:25-4 restricts exotic species. Contact: Division of Health for specific species questions. Topic: Exotic Pets.

Confiscation of prohibited animals. Fines $500 to $5,000. Criminal charges possible for dangerous species. Owner liable for damages from escaped animals.

Compared to other cities, Perth Amboy takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Perth Amboy'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 Perth Amboy is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Perth Amboy 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.