Complaints About Off-Leash Dogs Mount In Montclair; Crackdown Coming

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Do you like to let your dog off-leash in Montclair’s parks? It’s time to cut it out – or face the heat, local animal control officers say.

Michele Shiber, an animal control supervisor with Montclair Township, told Patch that there has been an increasing number of complaints on social media about off-leash dogs in local and county parks. As a result, animal control officers (ACOs) will be cracking down on dog owners who don’t follow the rules, she said.

As per Township Code 82-13, dogs are not permitted to be off-leash in any Montclair parks, except in areas specifically designated as a “dog park.” See more town rules for local parks here.

“Our animal control officers patrol the parks and the township often, but unless the timing is perfect, we don't always catch violators in the act,” Shiber said. “I’m hoping that by sharing the information with the public, it will make them aware that this behavior is not permitted.”

“I believe in being fair and giving people the benefit of the doubt when possible,” Shiber continued. “I understand that everyone might not be aware of the rules, but once they’re educated, there is no reason/excuse to continue the off-leash activities.”

Violators who continue to disregard the rules will be issued summonses, she added.

Montclair animal control officers are responsible for any animal issues within the township and can be reached at any time by calling the service request line at 862-621-9113. Montclair residents can also contact animal control for non-emergency issues online via the township's website, or by using the township's REPORT-IT-2-MTC app on iPhone or Android platforms.

Learn more about local animal control service in Montclair here.

Shiber pointed out that while Montclair ACOs can patrol and enforce the rules in local parks, enforcing the leash law in county parks falls under the shield of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office.

As per Essex County's rules and regulations, dogs are not permitted to be off leash in any county park. To report a problem in Essex County parks, contact the Essex County Sheriff’s Office at 973-621-4111 or use their online "Report a Problem" form .

MONTCLAIR PET LICENSES

Shiber also said Montclair ACOs will be checking pet licenses in the township.

For example, officers might ask a dog owner if their dog is currently licensed in town and ask for their address and information to confirm. If the dog doesn’t appear on the master list of dogs registered in town, then the owner will receive a letter of compliance.

Cat and dog licenses are provided by the Office of Vital Statistics in the Department of Health and Human Services, and need to be renewed every year. Learn more here.

There are several reasons to license your pet, township officials say:

• “You can think of your pet’s license as a way to ensure a free ride home in case it is lost. Anyone who has lost a pet knows how we worry about them until they are safe at home. The license tag can be quickly used to find your name and address and the authorities can notify you. This will bring about a quick reunion.”
• “Licensing is a way for the community to ensure that pets are vaccinated against rabies, a terrible disease that is fatal to dogs and cats.”
• “The fees from licensing stay in the community and help fund rabies clinics and support our animal control efforts. The cost of the license is far less than the fine imposed if your dog or cat is found without a license.”
• “Last, but not least, it is the law!”

The annual fee for licensing a dog in the Township of Montclair is $12 for a spayed/neutered dog or $15 for an intact dog. For a cat it is $8 for a spayed/neutered cat or $11 for an intact cat. Senior citizens pay a reduced fee of $5 for a spayed/neutered cat or $8 for an intact cat.

In addition, microchipping is available for a $20 fee (but is not mandatory).

• See Related: NJ Family Reunited With Pet Dog Stolen 5 Years Ago With Aid Of Microchip

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