Dog Leash Laws: Edison vs Perth Amboy

Do dogs have to be leashed in Edison, NJ?

Yes. Chapter 9 of the Edison Township Code requires every dog off the owner's premises to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet held by a competent person. The only off-leash area in the Township is the fenced dog park at Whitman Avenue Park.

Can I tie my dog outside in Edison?

Only under strict limits. Tethers must be at least 15 feet long with swivels on both ends, no heavier than one-eighth of the dog's weight, and a dog may be tethered no more than 9 hours in any 24 hours and no more than 3 hours at a stretch. Unneutered dogs cannot be tethered outside at all.

What if my neighbor's dog runs loose in Edison?

Report it to Edison Animal Control through the Township Health Department (732-248-7350) or to Edison Police non-emergency dispatch. The officer can impound the dog under Chapter 9 and issue a citation to the owner; fees and fines apply before the dog is released.

Is there a leash law in Perth Amboy, NJ?

Yes. Perth Amboy Code Chapter 199 (Dogs) prohibits any dog from being on the public streets or in any public place of the City unless it is accompanied by a person over the age of twelve years and is securely confined and controlled by an adequate leash not more than six feet long. Off-leash activity is allowed only within the City's designated off-leash area; everywhere else in Perth Amboy, the six-foot leash rule applies.

Can I tie my dog up outside unattended in Perth Amboy?

Only for limited periods. Chapter 199 makes it unlawful to tether or restrain an unattended dog to a house, tree, fence, garage, stake, or other stationary object by means of a rope, strap, or other physical restraint, except where the tethering totals no more than six hours in any 24-hour period, with a maximum of two hours at any one interval and at least a one-hour break between confinements. Continuous outdoor tethering as a primary means of confinement is not allowed.

Do I have to license my dog in Perth Amboy?

Yes. Under Chapter 199 of the Perth Amboy Code and N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.2, any owner of a dog of licensing age (7 months or older, or with a permanent set of teeth as defined in N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.1) must obtain an annual license and metal registration tag from the Perth Amboy City Clerk. You must provide proof of current rabies vaccination, and the registration tag must be attached to the dog's collar or harness. Failure to license is a separate violation.