Animal Ordinances in Rockland County, NY (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Rockland County, New York.
Verified from official government sources
Dog Leash Laws
Inside Rockland County's own parks, a dog may only be brought into an area designated for dogs, and even there must be on a leash no longer than six feet, unless it is in a designated off-leash dog run or assisting a disabled person. Unattended dogs may be seized and impounded.
Dog Leash Rule, Rockland County Parks
Some RestrictionsRockland County Code § 315-16
No person shall: ... Cause or permit any dog owned by him or in his care or custody to be in a park ... designated for dogs and not restrained by a leash exceeding six feet except: (a) A dog which is in a designated off-leash dog run; or (b) A dog which is used by a disabled individual to assist that individual in one or more major life activity.
Wildlife Feeding
Rockland County prohibits feeding waterfowl, meaning geese, brant, swans and river and sea ducks, on any County-owned land unless the Rockland County Parks Commission has designated that spot for feeding. The ban reaches only property the County itself owns, not town, village or private land, and carries a fine of up to $250 per violation.
Rockland County Waterfowl Feeding Ban
Significant RestrictionsRockland County Code §§ 388-2, 388-4
No person shall feed any waterfowl on any County lands, except in areas designated for feeding by the Rockland County Parks Commission from time to time. ... Any person who violates this chapter shall be guilty of a violation and shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $250.
Pet Store Rules
Rockland County does not ban pet-store sales of dogs and cats, but its 'Protect our Pets Act' (Ch. 230, Art. III) bars pet dealers from sourcing animals from breeders with recent USDA welfare violations, sets an eight-week minimum sale age, and requires cage-size, record-keeping and inspection standards enforced by the Office of Consumer Protection.
Rockland County Pet Store Sourcing Law
Some RestrictionsRockland County Code §§ 230-15, 230-16
PET DEALER Any person who engages in the sale or offering for sale of more than nine animals per year for profit to the public. Such definition shall include breeders who sell or offer to sell animals; except a breeder who sells or offers to sell directly to consumers fewer than 25 animals per year that are born and raised on the breeder's residential premises shall not be considered a pet deal...
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