Animal Ordinances in Jackson, NJ (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Jackson, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
In Jackson Township, New Jersey, keeping horses, ponies or similar livestock in any zone that allows it requires a lot of at least 45,000 square feet under Township Code § 98-48, an 80-square-foot sheltered lean-to per animal, stables set back 20 feet from property lines and 75 feet from neighboring dwellings, and strict manure storage limits enforced with daily fines.
Jackson Township Horse and Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsJackson Township Code §§ 98-48, 98-50
§ 98-48. Regulations. ... In any zone in the Township of Jackson wherein the keeping of horses or other livestock is allowed, the following regulations shall be complied with: A. A lot or parcel of at least 45,000 square feet shall be required for the keeping of horses, ponies or other similar livestock. ... This barn or similar three-sided lean-to with a roof must yield a minimum of 80 square ...
Dog Leash Laws
Jackson Township, New Jersey requires every dog to be kept under restraint at all times; running at large is banned outright under Code § 98-9. In Township parks and on hiking trails, dogs must be leashed with a leash no longer than six feet and handled by someone at least 12 years old under § 98-10. Violators face fines up to $1,000 or 90 days in jail under § 98-24.
Jackson Township Dog Leash and Restraint Law
Some RestrictionsJackson Township Code §§ 98-9, 98-10
§ 98-9. Running at large. ... All dogs shall be kept under restraint, and no dogs shall run at large at any time in this municipality. § 98-10. Dogs in public parks and trails: adequate leash required. ... A. Leashed dogs are permitted in any Township park, or hiking trail, as long as such dog is accompanied by a person over the age of 12 years that is of sufficient strength to hold the dog, is...
Breed Restrictions
Jackson Township, New Jersey handles vicious dog cases entirely under state law: § 98-16 adopts N.J.S.A. 4:19-17 et seq. for municipal court hearings and impoundment or destruction of a dog a court declares vicious or potentially dangerous. The Township adds its own annual fee: § 98-17B sets a $500-per-year potentially dangerous dog license, renewable annually, on top of the state licensing conditions in N.J.S.A. 4:19-24.
Jackson Township Vicious & Dangerous Dog Rules
Some RestrictionsJackson Township Code §§ 98-16, 98-17
§ 98-16. Vicious dogs. ... Notwithstanding anything set forth in Chapter 98 of the Code of the Township of Jackson, any dog or dog hybrid declared vicious by a municipal court pursuant to N.J.S.A. 4:19-20 shall be dealt with in accordance with state statutes or requirements. All provisions of N.J.S.A. 4:19-17 et seq. imposing a uniform set of state requirements for the owners of vicious or pote...
Wildlife Feeding
Jackson Township, New Jersey bans feeding unconfined wildlife, deer, geese and strays alike, on any public park or other Township-owned property. Code § 98-53, adopted February 28, 2005 by Ordinance No. 09-05, exempts only confined animals at zoos, rehabilitation centers or environmental education centers. The Code Enforcement Officer or Animal Control Officer can order the feeding stopped immediately, and a violation carries a fine of up to $100 under § 98-55.
Jackson Township Wildlife Feeding Ban
Some RestrictionsJackson Township Code §§ 98-51, 98-53, 98-55
§ 98-51. Purpose. The purpose of this article is to prohibit the feeding of unconfined wildlife in any public park or on any other property owned or operated by the Township of Jackson, so as to protect public health, safety and welfare, and to prescribe penalties for failure to comply. § 98-5 ... ... 3. Prohibited conduct. No person shall feed, in any public park or on any other property owned...
Pet Store Rules
Jackson Township, New Jersey bans traditional retail puppy and kitten sales. Code § 98-28.1, added March 22, 2016 by Ordinance No. 07-16, limits pet shops to dogs and cats obtained from, or displayed in cooperation with, an animal care facility or an animal rescue organization. Shelters, pounds and similar establishments may still keep, display or sell any seized, rescued or donated cat or dog.
Jackson Township Adoption-Only Pet Shop Rule
Significant RestrictionsJackson Township Code § 98-28.1
§ 98-28.1. Sale of cats and dogs in kennels and pet shops; exceptions. ... A. A pet shop may offer for sale only those dogs and cats that the pet shop has obtained from or displays in cooperation with: (1) An animal care facility; or (2) An animal rescue organization. B. Nothing contained herein shall prohibit a shelter, pound or other establishment from keeping, displaying or selling any cat o...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
In Jackson Township, New Jersey, veterinary clinics, hospitals and animal care facilities are a conditional use under Township Code § 244-132, requiring kennels set back 100 feet from the front line, 50 feet from side and rear lines, 150 feet from any off-site dwelling, indoor housing overnight, and licensing by state, federal or county regulators.
Jackson Township Veterinary Clinic Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsJackson Township Code § 244-132
§ 244-132. Veterinary clinics, hospitals or animal care facilities. ... Veterinary clinics, hospitals or animal care facilities may be permitted as a conditional use in those zoning districts specified, provided that the lot, use and structures shall adhere to the minimum standards of the particular zone and the following: A. No building or area used for kennels, pens or runs shall be located c...
Bird Protection
Jackson Township, New Jersey bars killing, trapping, hunting, shooting or injuring any bird or wild fowl, or robbing a nest of its eggs, anywhere in the Township without a New Jersey hunting license. Code § 98-57D also bans feeding wild or feral birds on public property unless posted otherwise. Violations bring a fine of up to $500 per bird or egg, up to 30 days in jail, or both.
Jackson Township Bird Protection Ordinance
Significant RestrictionsJackson Township Code §§ 98-57D, 98-57F
D. Shooting, molesting birds prohibited; exceptions. (1) Within the municipal limits of the Township of Jackson it shall be unlawful for any person to kill, trap, hunt, shoot or attempt to shoot, willfully injure, or maim any bird or wild fowl; or to rob any bird or wild fowl nest of its eggs, without a license issued by the State of New Jersey. ... (3) Unless otherwise posted, it shall be unla...