Colorado dog laws every protection dog owner should read

Under C.R.S. 13-21-124, a person who suffers serious bodily injury or death from a dog bite while lawfully on public or private property can sue the owner for economic damages. The statute applies regardless of the dog's viciousness or the owner's knowledge of it.

The same section lists exceptions, including a person who was on property clearly posted with "no trespassing" or "beware of dog" signs, someone who knowingly provoked the dog, and certain professionals such as veterinary workers, groomers and trainers acting in their duties. It also covers dogs used by peace officers. It does not limit other claims such as negligence, so talk to a Colorado attorney about your own situation.

C.R.S. 18-9-204.5 defines a dangerous dog as one that injures or kills a person or domestic animal, shows tendencies that would lead a reasonable person to expect such harm, or is engaged in or trained for animal fighting. Owning one is an offense, with penalties that rise with the harm done. Courts can order escape-proof enclosures, warning signs, leashing and muzzling outside, and microchipping.

Two details matter to buyers. Dogs used by peace officers on duty are exempt. And cities and counties may regulate dangerous dogs but may not do so by breed.

C.R.S. 30-15-101 lets a county adopt a resolution requiring pets to be under control, licensing dogs, refusing a license without a rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian, and defining vicious dogs. Cities add their own ordinances on top.

Denver is a useful example. Its animal ordinance page lists dog license fees of $15 for one year, $40 for three years or $150 for a lifetime license, requires proof of a current rabies vaccination, and describes a permit with signage and a three-year minimum for dogs sentenced as potentially dangerous. Unaltered dogs over six months need an intact permit, and dog fencing for that permit must be at least six feet high without wrought iron. Pages change, so confirm with the city.

• Which license and vaccination proof do you require, and how often is renewal?
• What are the leash and "under control" rules in parks and on sidewalks?
• Are there limits on the number of dogs, or permits for unaltered dogs?
• What signage or fencing is required if a dog is ever declared dangerous?

Write the answers down and keep them with the dog's papers.