Jackson Township proposal targets dog ownership limits, adds zoning rules for kennels
Jackson Township, NJ – A proposed ordinance in Jackson Township would place new limits on how many dogs residents can keep, requiring households with more than five dogs to register as a kennel and comply with additional regulation. The measure has not yet been finalized but will be heard at the next township council meeting.
The ordinance calls for up to 60 days in jail for residents with more than 5 dogs who do not register as a licensed kennel.
Under the proposal, any property owner or tenant with more than five dogs would be required to obtain a kennel license, a process that may include zoning board approval. Officials say the measure is intended to address concerns related to animal density, neighborhood impacts, and regulatory enforcement.
Key Points
- Proposed Jackson Township ordinance would limit residents to five dogs
- More than five dogs would require kennel licensing and zoning approval
The proposal includes provisions affecting breeders and pet-related businesses. Individuals breeding more than 10 animals per year—or more than five in a residential setting for profit—would need licensing and could require zoning variances.
Pet shops would be restricted to sourcing animals from shelters or rescue organizations under the proposed rules.
Enforcement measures outlined in draft ordinance
The ordinance also addresses nuisance concerns, including excessive or continuous barking, and would require identification tags for dogs over three months old in kennel settings.
Violations could carry penalties including fines and potential jail time of up to 90 days if adopted as written. Enforcement actions could also apply to unlicensed dogs or properties operating as unapproved kennels, according to the Jackson Township code.
§ 98-24Violations and penalties.
[Amended 10-3-1983 by Ord. No. 50-83; 9-11-2007 by Ord. No. 31-07]
Any person, whether as owner or custodian of a dog, convicted of a violation of any of the provisions of this article shall, upon conviction of the provisions hereof, be subject to a fine or penalty not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days or a period of community service not exceeding 60 days, or all, at the discretion of the Judge before whom such conviction is had. In addition to or in lieu of impounding a dog found at large, the Animal Control Officer may issue to the known owner of such dog a summons for violation of this article.
