N.J. Stat. § 4:19-6: Suit by municipality against owner

If any claim for damage is presented and allowed by the governing body of a municipality, such governing body may institute and maintain an action, in the name and for the benefit of the municipality, in any court of competent jurisdiction, against the owner of the offending dog to recover the amount of damages allowed by such governing body as provided in section 4:19-5 of this title.