Keeping Wild or Farm Animals OK in Hopatcong, But Not Dangerous Ones

There's a horse in your neighbor's backyard? You hear clucking at night?

That's OK, according to Hopatcong's code book.

Section 248-24 of the code book breaks down the housing of wild or farm animals into four classes, in order of potential danger.

Obviously, keeping a threatening animal or reptile isn't allowed—or probably smart. That is, unless they're used for "educational or research purposes by a recognized community institution of learning or research," the code book said. These fall into Class I.

But horses, livestock or barnyard fowl? They're a different story.

These Class II, III and IV animals are permitted in the borough, but under certain conditions: their premises are kept clean and odor- and insect-free; and the animals are kept healthy.

Fines range from $10 to $250 for those violating the law.

Hopatcong's code book can be found on the borough's homepage.