Westfield Continues To Review Leash Laws

WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield officials are continuing to review possible changes to leash law enforcement following an April incident at Tamaques Park in which an unleashed dog attacked and injured a leashed dog.

Mayor Jeremy Berman said the town is considering several measures aimed at improving safety in local parks, including increasing the current $50 fine for leash law violations, adding additional signage at Tamaques Park, installing cameras and increasing police presence in the area as resources allow.

Westfield's leash law requires dogs to be on a leash whenever they are not on their owner's property.

In an April update, Berman reminded residents of the importance of following the town's leash requirements and said the town is evaluating additional steps to help prevent similar incidents.

"If you encounter an unleashed dog, call the Police Department, who will take a report and, if warranted, forward the information to the Board of Health as well," Berman said.

Berman also encouraged residents to document incidents when it can be done safely.

"If you can safely do so, take a photo of the dog and its owner, as that documentation helps police enforce the law," Berman said.

Town officials have not announced whether any of the proposed changes will be implemented.

Correction: An earlier version of this story did not make clear that the dog attack at Tamaques Park occurred in April 2026. The information about the incident and potential leash law changes was included in Mayor Jeremy Berman's April 10, 2026 community newsletter. The story has been updated to clarify the timing