Laws about Animals and Pets
Know your responsibilities and the laws related to pets:
- Dogs must be on a leash when off the owner’s property except when walking in a designated off-leash area.
- A dog owner must ensure their dog does not bite, injure, chase, threaten, bark, howl at or disturb anyone.
Barking Dogs :
Incessant barking can disturb the peace and quiet of a neighborhood. In addition, it is a violation of Douglas County Resolution 019-029.
If a warning or citation has not been issued, the officer will issue the owner a written warning and attempt to educate the animal owner about the topic. The owner will then have seven days to correct the problem. If the problems continue after this seven-day period and additional complaints are received, DCAS will make contact with the dog owner and issue a citation.
If a warning or citation has been issued within the previous 12 months, the officer will make contact with the owner and issue a citation for the alleged violation.
When DCAS is contacted regarding a barking dog, the animal welfare officer will first issue a warning and notice to comply on the basis of a written statement from the complainant. If a second written statement is provided, a Penalty Assessment can be issued. Each violation is considered a separate offense and is subject to a separate penalty.
Violations begin at $50 per animal and increase in cost for the second and third violations. A summons for the dog owner to appear in court can also result.
Dogs at Large :
Animals must be kept under control for their own protection and to preserve the public’s health and safety. Dogs, found off the owner’s or keeper’s property are called “strays” and may be impounded. The owner or keeper may also be fined. To learn more visit Douglas County Resolution 019-029
Dog owners are in violation of this law if they fail to properly control or allow a dog to run at large in the county. This ordinance does not apply in designated parks where dogs are permitted to run off leash.
Violations begin at $50 per animal and increase in cost for the second and third violations. A summons for the dog owner to appear in court can also result.
Aggressive Animals :
DCAS monitors all domestic animal bite cases for Douglas County. Regardless of the extent of injuries, if the skin is broken, the bite must be reported. Animals involved in bites to humans must undergo a 10-day quarantine. The purpose of the quarantine is to monitor the animal’s health for warning signs that the animal may be infected with the rabies virus. Such animals may be quarantined at home or at a shelter, depending upon the situation. Douglas County Resolution 019-029
In addition to these public health concerns, a dangerous animal present a real public safety issue.
Any aggressive animal should be immediately reported to DCAS at 303-660-7529, or to 303-660-7500 if after hours.
Colorado Revised Statute 18-9-204.5 Unlawful Ownership of a Dangerous Dog
A person commits ownership of a dangerous dog if such person owns, possesses, harbors, keeps, has a financial property interest in, or has custody or control over a dangerous dog.