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1. What does Animal Control do?

Animal control performs many functions. Our main function however is to protect the health and well being of both humans and animals alike. The transmission and spread of rabies is our primary function. Animal Control addresses all animal related issues in Stafford Township.

2. What kind of animals does Stafford Animal Control handle?

If it walks, crawls, swims, or flies animal control handles it. However cats and wildlife are responsible for the majority of our responses.

3. Where do I get a license for my dog or cat?

You can come down to our office in the Town Hall Building at 260 East Bay Ave., Manahawkin, NJ 08050. Or if you provide the proper documentation for your pet you can send it by mail.

4. What documentation must I present? And what age does my dog or cat have to be in order to require a license?

All dogs and cats reaching the age of 7 months must be properly licensed in Stafford Township. You must provide documentation that states your dog or cat has a current rabies vaccination that expires after November 1st of each licensing year.

Also if your dog or cat has been spayed or neutered you must present that certificate at time of licensing and you will receive a reduction of $3 from the cost.

5. What should I do if I find a stray animal?

During business hours call 609-597-1000 ext. 8525. After hours including nights, weekends, and holidays call Stafford Police at 609-597-8581.

6. Do you respond to wild animal calls?

Yes. Sick, injured or diseased animals are a primary concern of this department. We will respond 24 hours a day regardless of the animal’s location.

If a wild animal is in the living portion of the home we will respond 24 hours a day.

Nuisance, healthy, wild life, outside, or wildlife in a non living portion of the home, (attic, between the walls etc;) does not necessitate an immediate response.

Call 609-597-1000, ext. 8525 and we will advise you of the proper deterrents.

7. If I suspect someone of animal cruelty can I call and make a anonymous complaint?

Yes, we encourage you to call our department 609-597-1000, ext. 8525 or call Stafford Police at 609-597- 8581.

8. How many animals am I allowed to have in Stafford?

We do not have animal limit ordinances here in Stafford. However, you must abide by our other ordinances such as the restriction of location for animal enclosures. Sounds, odors and insect infestation associated with animals can not affect neighboring premises.

9. Am I allowed to own livestock in Stafford?

In most areas of the Township you are allowed to own livestock. When you are speaking about horses, cows, goats, etc., it is best to call Stafford Animal Control or the Zoning Department before acquiring a horse. Remember all other ordinances pertaining to animals must be adhered to as well.

10. Ya ain’t gonna kill’em are you mister?

Many of the policies and procedures followed in the 1940s and 1950s no longer exist and are antiquated; in today's regulation the former procedures are illegal.

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1. Is Stafford Township Court handicapped accessible?

Yes. If you will need additional assistance please contact the court prior to your appearance.

2. I need to change my court date. How do I do this?

You must call the court to request an adjournment. If you need the date changed due to a previously scheduled vacation or work/school conflict, documentation must be provided.

No adjournments are granted on the date that you are due to appear. In the case of an emergency, documentation and/or a doctor’s note will be required.

Adjournments are not granted for arraignments on indictable matters or first appearances for serious motor vehicle summonses issued for DWI (39:4-50), driving while suspended (39:3-40) or uninsured motor vehicle (39:6B-2).

3. I would like to plead guilty to a lesser charge. What do I do?

You must call the court to enter a not guilty plea PRIOR to the court date listed on your ticket. We will schedule your case to be heard in court. On the day of your court appearance you will have the opportunity to speak to the prosecutor.

4. I want to sign a complaint. How do I do this?

The Municipal Court accepts for filing all complaints. In order to sign a complaint for an offense that occurred within the jurisdiction of Stafford Township. You need to come into the court office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Please note we do not take complaints on court dates (refer to the court website).  You should have the following information with you:

- Name and address of person whom you wish to sign against

- Time and date of offense

- Statute number which relates to the offense

- License plate number and description of motor vehicle if you wish to sign a traffic summons

- A brief description of the incident

You may complete this form in advance, print it and bring it with you to the court office.

5. What is Citizen Dispute Resolution or Mediation?

Citizen Dispute Resolution (CDR) or Mediation is an alternative method for resolving disputes. A trained mediator is present to help the parties involved come to an agreement without the necessity of a municipal court trial.

The Judge decides what matters are appropriate for mediation. You may ask him to refer your case to Mediation on the day of your arraignment.

6. I need an attorney but can not afford one. Can I be represented by the public defender?

If you wish to be represented by the public defender, you must complete the below application and submit it to the court. In order to be eligible, you must be charged with a consequence of magnitude and your income must fall within the guidelines established. The Judge may require you to submit proof of your income. If approved there will be a fee assessed not to exceed $200. 

Financial Questionnaire

7. Can you recommend an attorney?

No. The court is not permitted to recommend an attorney. You may call the Ocean County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service.

8. I received a subpoena to testify from your court. Do I have to appear?

Yes. A subpoena requires your appearance. The Judge may find you in contempt or issue a warrant for your arrest if you fail to appear.

9. I received a legal notice indicating a change of court date, but never received an actual subpoena. Do I have to appear?

If you wish to be heard by the court, then it is important you are there. Please keep in mind if the officer did not witness the accident then he/she can not testify and may not be able to prove the state’s case without you.

10. I understand a warrant for my arrest has been issued. What do I do?

You must post
bail either at the Stafford Township Municipal Court during business hours or
at any local police department twenty four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a
week. New court dates will not be given until bail is received in this office.

11. My driver’s license was suspended because I did not pay my ticket. How do I resolve this?

You must contact the court to find out the amount due. You may also perform a case search on the Municipal Court Case Search website. After you pay the ticket you will have to provide your receipt to the State of NJ MVC. They will assess you a $100 restoration fee to reinstate your driving privilege.

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1. Do I need to put a smoke detector in every room of my house?

Smoke detectors should be placed outside each sleeping area on every level of the home, including basements. Current laws also require smoke detectors in each sleeping area. On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be installed in or near living areas such as living rooms, dens or family rooms.

2. If I am a senior citizen can I receive a free smoke detector?

Yes. The Fire Prevention Bureau is offering a fire safety inspection of your home to make sure that your detectors are placed in the proper location and work effectively.

3. What number do I call for a fire emergency?

9-1-1. The local fire department is dispatched utilizing the 9-1-1 system; this system is designed to save valuable seconds.

4. What if my smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detector goes off, will the fire department respond?

Yes, but you must place a call to 9-1-1.

5. What if I am not sure if there is a fire in my home, like an odor of something burning or a spark from an appliance?

Call 9-1-1 immediately and have the fire company respond, never be embarrassed to call, always better to be safe then sorry!

6. Is it ok to burn leaves, grass or trash in my yard?

No. It is a violation of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code to do open burning. No open burning of any kind is allowed.

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1. How do I apply for a Firearms I.D. card?

Download the forms from the link. Fill out all information and return to Police Service Representative Denise N. at the Stafford Police Department. Firearms Application

2. I moved! How to I change my address on my firearms I.D.?

Download the attached file, fill it out and bring it in to the Stafford Police Department. Change of Address

3. How to I purchase a handgun?

Download, complete and return the handgun permit. Handgun Permit

4. I am traveling to New Jersey with my firearm. Will I get in trouble?

All firearms transported into the State of New Jersey:

Shall be carried unloaded and contained in a closed and fastened case, gunbox, securely tied package, or locked in the trunk of the automobile in which it is being transported, and in the course of travel, shall include only such deviations as are reasonably necessary under the circumstances.
The firearm should not be directly accessible from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. If the vehicle does not have a compartment separate from the passenger compartment, the firearm and ammunition must be in a locked container other than the vehicle's glove compartment or console.

5. I am traveling and will be driving through New Jersey with a firearm.

All firearms transported through the State of New Jersey:

The following guidelines are provided in order to assist law enforcement officers in applying New Jersey's firearms laws to persons who are transporting firearms through the State of New Jersey. Guidelines

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1. Is it necessary call the Public Works office to schedule a bulk, metal, brush or leaf collection?

No. All collections will be done once a month by zone. Bulk, metal, brush and leaves must be separated and at the curb by 6 a.m. on the Monday of your scheduled zone week. You may also place your items to the curb on Sunday night.

Zone 1: The first full week of the month is your bulk, metal, brush and leaf collection
Zone 2: The second full week of the month is your bulk, metal, brush and leaf collection
Zone 3: The third full week of the month is your bulk, metal, brush and leaf collection
Zone 4: The fourth full week of the month is your bulk, metal, brush and leaf collection.

2. What can I put to the curb for collection on my zone week?

It’s easier to tell you what you can not put to the curb for collection:
- Kitchen Cabinets
- Carpeting and Padding
- Dirt
- Rock
- Stone
- Tile
- Soil
- Grass Clippings
- Boats (Cut Up or Otherwise)
- Construction Debris or Propane Tanks.

3. How do I dispose of old carpeting since Public Works does not collect it at the curb?

Call our office to arrange delivery of 2 loaner cans (when available). Cut the carpeting down and fill the container. Place containers to the curb with your regular can(s) on your assigned trash collection day and our automated trucks will pick up the carpeting as well as your regular household trash.

4. Are there any restrictions on wood left for collection?

Yes. It must be cut down to 4-foot lengths and all nails hammered down or removed.

5. If I replace my fence, will Stafford Township collect the old panels?

Stafford Township will collect a small amount of fence panels should a repair and/or replacement be necessary. However, a total removal and/or replacement of fencing will require a dumpster on the site.

6. How should I put out glass – like a glass top table or sliding glass doors?

Use masking tape, place a “hurricane star” to keep the glass intact should it shatter or break.

7. If I want to bring my bulk trash, metal recycling, brush or leaves somewhere instead of waiting for my zone collection week, where can I go?

Stafford Township brings household and bulk trash to the Ocean County Landfill in Manchester. If you wish to use this facility yourself, be prepared for a long ride and fee. The telephone number is 732 323-8528.

There is not a drop off option for metal recycling. You must wait for your zone collection week.

Brush and/or leaves may be taken to the Southern Ocean Recycling Center on Haywood Road. For more information and hours of operations please call direct 609-978-0913.

8. How can I purchase an additional automated container, is it new; will it be the same size? How do you know what address each can belongs?

An additional automated trash container can be purchased at the Department of Public Works Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. 3 p.m. Please call the office for purchasing information and scheduled delivery information.

All purchased containers are brand new and identical in size and color as your assigned can.

The Public Works Department registers your purchased cans by number.

9. What if I have a problem with my purchased automated trash can – does Public Works maintain the cans we bought?

Yes, Stafford Township Public Works will collect and repair the purchased automated trash can. Stafford Township will not replace the purchased can if damaged or stolen.

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1. Can I drive a golf cart on the roads?

Sure.  Currently, in Stafford Township there is no ordinance to restrict ‘Low Speed Vehicles (LSV)’. 

However, there are State restrictions to operate a golf cart (LSV).  Here are some bullet points to at least address the basic questions we have been receiving:

• You may not drive LSVs on roadways with speed limits that exceed 25 mph. Roadway does include the shoulder.
• A LSV is a four-wheeled vehicle with an attainable speed of more than 20 miles per hour, but no more than 25 miles per hour on a paved surface. It cannot be powered by gas or diesel fuel and must comply with federal safety standards as noted in 49 CFR 571.500.
• Child restraints in LSVs must meet the same standards as those used in passenger vehicles.
• You must have a valid driver’s license to operate a LSV.
• A LSV may be registered in the name of an individual, business or government entity, but may not be used as a commercial vehicle.
• You are subject to the same violations as other vehicles.
• All LSVs shall have a safety information decal provided by the manufacturer on the rear of the vehicle.
• If you have only one license plate, you must put it on the rear of the vehicle.
• LSVs must meet Federal and State requirements. (Make sure you read these.)

2. I need to hire police for traffic control

Construction companies routinely request police presence at a construction job which will involve some sort of interference with normal traffic flow.  If you require assistance in setting up police officers please contact fill out the REQUEST FORM

3. Is my child's car seat installed correctly?

Child Passenger Safety

4. Are electric bikes or scooters legal?

Governor Murphy signed legislation in 2019 changing the law on electric scooters and bicycles or e-scooters and e-bikes.  The previous framework classified these methods of transport as motor vehicles and thus required a license, registration, and insurance to operate on the roadways.  

Since none of these qualified to become registered it was a dead end on the usage unless on private property with permission.

For Detailed info click here!

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1. I have posted bail money. When can I get it back?

Bail is a guarantee that the defendant will appear at each court session as scheduled. If the defendant misses any session, the bail money may be forfeited.

Bail is returned when the case is completed. You may pick it up the day of your court appearance or it will be mailed to you.

If you posted bail for someone else and you are allowing the money to be used toward the fines, the court needs verification in writing from you if you are not going to be there on the court date.

2. The Judge said my fine was $100, why am I paying more?

Assessments are not limited to fines. There are mandatory assessments on disorderly person’s complaints. Court costs are $33, VCCB $50, SNSC $75 in addition to the "fine."

3. Why did the Judge order me to pay more than the amount indicated on the traffic summons?

The amounts indicated on the summons are the amount due if paid through the violation bureau. The Judge has the discretion to increase or decrease this amount if you were heard in the courtroom.

4. When does my ticket have to be paid by?

This ticket must be paid by the court date indicated on the bottom of your summons if you have not entered a not guilty plea.

5. How many points does this ticket have?

All moving violations have points assessed by Motor Vehicle Services (formerly DMV). You may inquire with them at 609-292-6500. The court does not assess points.

6. The officer said I could pay this ticket. Why do I have to appear in court?

Only the violations listed on the Statewide Violations Bureau Schedule are payable without a court appearance as long as the officer did not check off the "court appearance required" box on the bottom of your ticket.

7. How may I obtain a receipt for a ticket previously paid?

To receive a receipt you must send the court a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

8. I lost my ticket and don’t know how much it is. What should I do?

Please call the court immediately with your driver’s license number or plate number for a parking ticket so we can search our computer base.

9. Can I make payment by credit card?

Credit cards are not accepted by the court office. However, the State of NJ Judiciary has a website where motor vehicle violations that are listed on the Statewide Violations Bureau Schedule may be paid using a credit card. You must have your ticket number and your license plate number available in order to utilize this system. Please note there is a convenience fee for the service. You can log onto to make a payment electronically.

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1. When are taxes due?

February1, May 1, August 1 and November 1.

2. How long will training take?

Training is scheduled as a 4-hour block. We will start with basics for new users. This will take approximately 2 hours. We will take a short break and then return to spend the second half focusing on questions from current users.

3. How long is the turn around for a zoning permit

1 day

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1. Is it necessary call the Public Works office to schedule a bulk, metal, brush or leaf collection?

By your automated trash collection day:
Monday automated trash collection, the first day of the week – You are in zone 1
Tuesday automated trash collection, the second day of the week – You are in zone 2
Wednesday automated trash collection, the third day of the week – You are in zone 3
Thursday automated trash collection, the fourth day of the week – You are in zone 4

Remember to be sure your items are separated by bulk, metal, brush and leaves and placed at the curb by 6 a.m. on the Monday morning of your zone week. All of our trucks will be in your zone that week and once a street has been collected, Public Works will not return until the following month.

2. If I move, will Stafford Township buy the purchased can from me?

No. Stafford Township will not buy back the purchased can.

If you relocate within Stafford Township, bring the purchased can with you (the original assigned can must be left with the property). If you move out of the area and your new town has automated trash collection, you can take the purchased can and use it as an additional can; or you can leave it or sell the container to the new owners.