Could You Go To Jail If Your Dog Barks Too Much In Saddle River?

Dog owners in one Bergen County town could face hefty fines and jail time if their pooches bark too much under new rules local officials have proposed – even though one town official threw water on the idea that anyone could land behind bars.

A proposed law says Saddle River dog owners could be put in jail for up to 90 days, fined $100 to $1,000, or sentenced to community service if their dogs bark, howl, or yelp for too long.

The penalties would apply if the dog barks for more than 20 consecutive minutes between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. and for more than 15 minutes between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

The Borough Council is considering upping the penalties as a way of making dog owners keep their animals quiet and not disturb neighbors. But Saddle River Administrator Jerry Giaimis shot down the idea that the borough would ultimately choose to put someone in jail or fine someone for their barking dog.

"The fact that people could go to jail over this is ridiculous," he said. "Nobody will ever go to jail for having a barking dog."

Giaimis said the borough is looking to "set some parameters."

"It's more about getting people to comply with an ordinance," he said.

The six-member Borough Council unanimously introduced the new restrictions at a public meeting Feb. 25. It is up for a final vote March 18.

The ordinance outlining the proposed changes does not have penalties listed, so violations are subject to general fines listed in the beginning of the Saddle River Borough Code.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com