Kearny Police no longer taking temporary custody of stray domestic animals

Effective immediately the Kearny Police Department will no longer take temporary custody of stray domestic animals. In the past, police officers often attempted to transport loose dogs and cats to police headquarters where they were held temporarily in cages to await animal control authorities. Likewise, citizens often dropped off found dogs and cats at the Laurel Avenue police station to await reunification with their owners.

In an effort to avoid employee dog bites after receiving notice from New Jersey's Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH), it was decided that the police department will no longer directly provide this service. We'll be leaving the dog catching to the professionals.

The Town of Kearny currently contracts with Bergen County Animal Control to perform animal control services in town. Bergen County Animal Control is available 24-hours-a-day to respond to loose or contained found animals in Kearny. Citizens can call Animal Control directly during business hours at (201) 229-4600. After hours, citizens can call Kearny Police Dispatch at (201) 998-1313 to have an animal control officer dispatched.