Dog Park Rules Almost Set In Hopatcong

HOPATCONG, NJ — The new dog park in the borough is closer to becoming a reality in Hopatcong, in an area on Jefferson field.

As part of that, at its upcoming Wednesday night meeting, the Hopatcong Borough Council plans to hold its public hearing to adopt the rules for the new park.

Councilman Bradley Hoferkamp has been instrumental in coordinating details for the park on the council’s behalf, with resident Aidan Poland working on it as part of his Eagle Scout project.

The borough is aiming to open the park around the end of June or beginning of July.

Among the rules is that park hours will be sunrise to sunset only, with puppies less than four months old prohibited from entering.

Separate areas for small and large dogs are going to be created, with large dogs not permitted within the small dog section - which will be for dogs less than 22 pounds - and vice-versa.

Dogs in heat are not permitted and dogs that are more than six-months-old need to be spayed or neutered, wear licenses and have their appropriate shots to enter.

Each dog owner at the park - who is required to be older than 18-years-old - must not have more than two dogs with them at a time. Owners must remain with their dogs at all times while in the park.

Dog owners may not bring food or treats into the park for their dogs, for concerns dog fights could arise.

Children less than nine-years-old are not permitted in the park, with kids who are older not allowed to chase dogs or run with them in the park.

Owners are responsible for their dogs and if their dogs cause injury to a person or another dog in the park, according to the rules, with the borough’s Animal Control Officer, Recreational Coordinator or Hopatcong Police Department able to ban any person and their dog from entering the park.

Dogs also cannot be outfitted with spiked, choke or prong collars, while they are in the park; and owners are not permitted to bring aggressive dogs in.

Those who break any of the rules could be subject to fines up to $1,250 and even jail time or community service for up to 90 days.

The council meeting starts remotely at 7:30 p.m. Click here to enter the virtual meeting.

Questions or comments about this story? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.