Teaneck Details Rules for New Dog Park

The Township Council has given initial approval to an ordinance that would allow unleashed dogs in a section of Phelps Park.

The move is another step needed before Teaneck can open its off-leash dog run in the River Road park. Under the ordinance, owners would not be allowed to leave their pooches unattended and not all of the town's more than 1,000 dogs would be permitted in the park.

Among the proposed regulations, as detailed in the ordinance:

• All dogs must be licensed, inoculated and healthy
• All dogs must have a collar and ID tag
• Owners must cleanup after their dogs
• Any dog determined to be "aggressive" would be barred
• The dogs must be with a person 12 or older
• Dogs less than four months would not be allowed in the park
• Owners would be legally responsible for any injuries they cause
• Dogs must be on a leash except in the designated area

Dogs are banned from other Teaneck parks, except Windsor Park where they must leashed. Work at the Phelps Park dog run, built at an abandoned swimming pool, is nearing completion.

The town is waiting to install brenches and a water fountain. The council is expected to approve the ordinance at its April 9 and the park would likely open a short time after.

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