Animal Ordinances in Toms River, NJ (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for Toms River, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Toms River Township caps commercial livestock density at one cow or horse per acre and seven goats or sheep per acre, but the limit applies only to farms with 10 or more animals of that type.
Toms River Livestock Density Limits
Some RestrictionsToms River Township Code § 165-14
Not more than one cow per acre of land shall be housed or maintained. Not more than one horse per acre of land shall be housed or maintained. Not more than seven goats per acre of land shall be housed or maintained. Not more than seven sheep per acre of land shall be housed or maintained.
Dog Leash Laws
Toms River Township bans dogs running at large at any time and requires a leash in any public place, highway, or sidewalk. The Township Code holds owners liable for damages their dog causes, requires every dog to carry proof of state license, and defines "dog" to cover all canines regardless of age, sex, or breed. Violations carry fines up to $100 or jail.
Toms River Dog Leash and At-Large Rules
Some RestrictionsToms River Township Code §§ 165-2, 165-3, 165-8.2
§ 165-2. Running at large. No dog shall run at large at any time in this municipality. § 165-3. Leashing. Any dog in any public place or on any of the public highways or sidewalks shall be on leash and in the immediate custody and control of its owner or custodian. § 165-8.2. Violations and penalties. For §§ 165-2 through 165-7, any person, whether as owner or custodian of a dog, convicted of a...
Wildlife Feeding
Toms River Township prohibits feeding unconfined wildlife, deer, geese, ducks or other wild animals, on any township park or other property the township owns or operates. The rule defines feeding broadly, exempts confined animals at zoos or rehab centers and the use of disability assistance animals, and lets the Police Department or Local Board of Health order violators to stop immediately before a fine up to $1,250 per violation applies.
Toms River Wildlife Feeding Ban
Significant RestrictionsToms River Township Code §§ 165-30, 165-31, 165-32, 165-33, 165-34, 165-35
§ 165-32. Prohibited conduct. No person shall feed, in any public park or on any other property owned or operated by the Township of Toms River, any wildlife, excluding confined wildlife (for example, wildlife confined in zoos, parks or rehabilitation centers, or unconfined wildlife at environmental education centers). § 165-33. Exemption. Any owner or keeper who requires the use of a disabilit...
Cat Rules
Toms River Township requires every cat over seven months old to be vaccinated against rabies and licensed annually, with a tag or sleeve displaying the license number.
Toms River Requires Cat Licensing
Some RestrictionsToms River Township Code § 516-33
Any person who shall own, keep or harbor a cat of licensing age within the Township of Toms River shall annually apply for and procure from the municipal dog licensing agent and/or his/her deputy for the Township of Toms River a license and official registration tag with license number or a registration sleeve for each cat so owned, kept or harbored and shall place upon such cat a collar or oth...
Mandatory Spay/Neuter
Toms River Township doesn't mandate spay/neuter, but bans tethering any unneutered or unspayed dog outright and charges a higher dog-license fee for unaltered dogs than altered ones.
Toms River Unaltered Dog Tethering Rule
Light RestrictionsToms River Township Code § 165-8
It is unlawful to chain or tether unneutered/unspayed dogs in any manner and/or at any time within the Township. B. Neutered/spayed dogs may be tethered under the following circumstances: (1) The tether must be at least 15 feet long and have an operative swivel on both ends, weigh no more than 1/8 of the dog's weight and be attached to a properly fitted collar or harness. (2) The colla...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Toms River Township treats veterinary clinics, hospitals and animal care facilities as a conditional use requiring a two-acre lot, wide setbacks for kennels and runs, and a curfew barring animals from being kept outdoors between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Toms River Veterinary Clinic Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsToms River Township Code § 348-9.17
Veterinary clinics or hospitals or animal care facilities are permitted as a conditional use in those zones specified, subject to the following standards: Minimum lot area: two acres... Minimum front yard setback, principal or accessory structures, including kennels, pens and runs: 100 feet... No building or area used for kennels, pens or runs shall be located closer than 150 feet to any dwelli...