Animal Ordinances in Paterson, NJ (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Paterson, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Paterson Bans Livestock In City
Heavy RestrictionsPaterson City Code § 121-43.B
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, maintain or have in his or her possession or under his or her control within the City limits of the City of Paterson any of the following animals: all poisonous animals, including rear-fanged snakes; apes; chimpanzees; gibbons: gorillas; orangutans; siamangs; baboons; bears; bison; cheetahs; crocodilians 30 inches or more in length; coyotes; deer; el...
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.
Paterson Dog Leash Length Limit
Some RestrictionsPaterson City Code § 121-11
Any dog, licensed or unlicensed, when off the premises of the owner or person keeping, harboring or in charge of such dog shall be restricted by a leash, tether, chain, rope or the like, the overall length of which, including the hand grip, shall not exceed six feet and shall be held by a person able to control such dog.
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.
Paterson Dangerous Dog Registration Rules
Significant RestrictionsPaterson City Code § 121-47
In the event that any dog, whose owner resides within the municipality, is found to be a potentially dangerous dog pursuant to N.J.S.A. 4:19-23, said dog shall be issued a potentially dangerous dog registration number and a red identification tag along with a City of Paterson potentially dangerous dog license. Said license shall be issued to the owner only upon demonstration that the owner has ...
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.
Paterson Beekeeping 100-Foot Setback Rule
Some RestrictionsPaterson City Code § 121-45
No person shall keep or maintain any bees or beehives in the City within 100 feet of any public building, street, roadway or the property line of any public park or outdoor recreation area or keep or maintain any bees or beehives within 100 feet of any dwelling house or place of residence other than that of the owner or keeper of such bees.
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.
Paterson Bans Dangerous Exotic Animals
Heavy RestrictionsPaterson City Code § 121-43.A
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, maintain or have in his or her possession or under his or her control within the City limits of the City any poisonous reptile or any other dangerous or carnivorous wild animal or reptile, any vicious or dangerous domesticated animal or any other animal or reptile of wild, vicious or dangerous propensities.
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.
Paterson Wildlife Feeding Ban on City Property
Some RestrictionsPaterson City Code § 121-53
No person shall feed, in any public park or on any other property owned or operated by the City of Paterson, any wildlife, excluding confined wildlife (for example, wildlife confined in zoos, parks or rehabilitation centers, or unconfined wildlife at environmental education centers.)
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.
Paterson Restricts Wild Bird Feeding
Light RestrictionsPaterson City Code § 121-41.A
The littering of private grounds for the purpose of feeding free and wild birds or the placing or causing to be placed or any food designed or intended for the purpose of feeding such birds in such a manner and in such quantity so as to create a hazard of rodent infestation so as to create any health hazard by so doing shall be prohibited. B. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to pr...
Looking for Passaic County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Paterson city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Passaic County →