Posted by Waste Happy
on September 10, 2026
Quick answer: Yes. Paterson requires dog owners to pick up after their dogs under Paterson Code § 121-59. A court can impose up to $1,250.
What the Paterson ordinance says
| Ordinance | Paterson Code § 121-59, Requirement for disposal (Ch. 121, Art. IX Pet Waste); also § 121-12 (defiling property) and § 121-13 (removal of feces when curbing) |
|---|---|
| Fine | Up to $1,250 |
| Must carry a bag | No |
| Service animal exemption | Yes |
How the penalty works
§ 121-62: a violation of the Pet Waste article carries 'a fine not to exceed $1,250.' Separately, under § 121-24B, allowing a dog to defile a sidewalk, lawn, or other property (§ 121-12) is a flat $50 fine payable at the Violations Bureau without a court appearance, plus $30 in court costs. Failing to remove feces after curbing a dog in the street (§ 121-13) falls under the general Chapter 121 penalty of up to $1,250, up to 90 days in jail, or up to 90 days of community service. No separate repeat-offense amount is published.
The carry rule
No requirement to carry a bag. Waste must be removed 'at once, without delay' and placed in a waste receptacle or suitable container, or flushed into the sanitary sewer (§§ 121-58, 121-59).
Service animals
§ 121-60: an owner or keeper who requires a disability assistance animal is exempt while the animal is being used for that purpose.
In practice
Pick up every time, bag it, and put it in a trash can. That is the one method that satisfies every ordinance in the country. The Walk Dispenser clips to the leash and holds a full roll.
Elsewhere in New Jersey
New Jersey dog poop laws covers the state and its other large cities. Nearby: Newark dog poop law · Jersey City dog poop law. All 50 states.
Source
Checked 2026-09-10 against the Paterson municipal code. Codes change, so read the current version before relying on this for an actual citation.
This page is general information, not legal advice.
