1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Essex County, New Jersey.
Verified from official government sources
Essex County, NJ does not enforce a countywide dog leash ordinance for residential areas. Under N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.1 et seq. (state dog licensing and rabies control law), each of the 22 Essex municipalities licenses dogs and enforces leash and at-large rules. Newark Municipal Code Title 7 requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when off the owner's property. The Essex County Park Police (973.268.3500) enforces leash rules on the Essex County Park System (Branch Brook, Eagle Rock Reservation, South Mountain Reservation, etc.). All dogs 7 months and older must be licensed annually with proof of current rabies vaccination through the municipality of residence.
4 cities in Essex County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Essex County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Essex County Ordinance Hub →