Ridgewood's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

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

Dog Leash Laws

Ridgewood prohibits dogs from running at large; loose dogs are impounded, owners are notified, and unredeemed dogs may be disposed of after seven days.

Key details: At-large: Prohibited. Redemption window: Seven days. License age: Seven months. Vicious at-large: May be destroyed.

Allowing a dog to run at large can result in impoundment fees, fines, and loss of the dog if not redeemed. Failing to license a dog is a separate violation.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Ridgewood actively enforces its dog leash laws requirements.

Exotic Pets

Ridgewood prohibits keeping, harboring, or possessing wild animals on any premises within the Village to protect public health, welfare, and emergency safety.

Key details: Wild animals: Prohibited. Code reference: Chapter 105, Article V. Removal window: 15 days from notice. Appeal right: Yes, 15 days.

Keeping a prohibited wild animal can result in removal orders, daily fines, and confiscation. Failure to comply within 15 days of notice triggers enforcement action.

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

Wildlife Feeding

Ridgewood prohibits feeding unconfined wildlife and restricts bird feeders on private property, requiring elevation, seed catchers, and a maximum of three feeders per lot.

Key details: Min feeder height: 6 feet. Feeders per lot: 3 maximum. Ground feeding: Prohibited. Fine range: $25 to $1,000.

Violations carry fines starting at $25 with a maximum of $1,000 per offense. Continued non-compliance after warning can escalate penalties.

Compared to other cities, Ridgewood takes a harder line on wildlife feeding. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Chickens & Livestock

Ridgewood permits backyard chickens and limited fowl by Health Division permit, but coops must meet strict setbacks and roosters or noisy fowl are prohibited.

Key details: Permit required: Yes, Health Division. Roosters: Prohibited. Coop setback: Substantial from dwellings. Code chapter: Chapter 105, Article III.

Keeping fowl without a permit, harboring roosters, allowing odors or runoff, or violating coop setbacks can result in fines, permit revocation, and an order to remove the animals.

The Bottom Line

Ridgewood is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Ridgewood, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Ridgewood 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.