Breed Restrictions: Hackensack vs Ridgewood
How do breed restrictions rules compare between Hackensack, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Hackensack and Ridgewood have similar restriction levels.
Hackensack, NJ
Bergen County
Bergen County does not impose breed-specific dog restrictions. New Jersey state law (N.J.S.A. 4:19-36) preempts municipalities and counties from enacting breed-discriminatory ordinances against pit bulls or other specific breeds.
View full Hackensack rules →Ridgewood, NJ
Bergen County
Bergen County does not impose breed-specific dog restrictions. New Jersey state law (N.J.S.A. 4:19-36) preempts municipalities and counties from enacting breed-discriminatory ordinances against pit bulls or other specific breeds.
View full Ridgewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hackensack | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| Breed bans | Prohibited by state law | Prohibited by state law |
| Statute | N.J.S.A. 4:19-36 | N.J.S.A. 4:19-36 |
| Vicious dog law | Behavior-based only | Behavior-based only |
| County shelter | Located in Teterboro | Located in Teterboro |
| Insurance for vicious dogs | Required | Required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Hackensack FAQ
Are pit bulls legal in Bergen County?
Yes. New Jersey law prohibits any municipality or county from banning dogs by breed. Pit bulls and other breeds are fully legal throughout Bergen County.
What if my dog bites someone?
Any dog that bites or threatens may be declared potentially dangerous or vicious under state law. Owners face containment, signage, and liability insurance requirements regardless of breed.
Can my landlord still ban certain breeds?
Yes. The state preemption applies to government, not private landlords or insurers. Rental policies and homeowners insurance can still impose breed restrictions.
Ridgewood FAQ
Are pit bulls legal in Bergen County?
Yes. New Jersey law prohibits any municipality or county from banning dogs by breed. Pit bulls and other breeds are fully legal throughout Bergen County.
What if my dog bites someone?
Any dog that bites or threatens may be declared potentially dangerous or vicious under state law. Owners face containment, signage, and liability insurance requirements regardless of breed.
Can my landlord still ban certain breeds?
Yes. The state preemption applies to government, not private landlords or insurers. Rental policies and homeowners insurance can still impose breed restrictions.
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