Pitbulls and Other Breeds Unwelcome in Colorado Communities

Many communities in Colorado ban ownership of American pit bull terriers. These cities include Aurora, Castle Rock, Commerce City, Fort Lupton, Lone Tree, Louisville, and Simla. Most recently, Mayor Hancock vetoed legislation that would have reversed the 30-year old ban on pit bulls in Denver. The mayor vetoed the move, which would have implemented breed restrictive licensing for the animals by arguing that the ordinance passed by the City Council would not effectively preserve public safety. As a Colorado dog bite attorney, it was an unsurprising decision. And, while pit bulls often get the most headlines, many other breeds are also banned in several communities across Colorado.

Dog Breed Bans in Colorado

Lone Tree bans Cane Corsos, American Bulldogs, Tosa Inus, Presa Mallorquins, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Dogo Argentinos, Fila Brasilairos, and Canary Dogs. In fact, Lone Tree has the most extensive breed bans of any city in Colorado.

Aurora, Castle Rock, Commerce City, Fort Lupton, Louisville, and Simla ban Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Denver, Castle Rock, Commerce City, and Fort Lupton ban Dogo Argentinos. Finally, Denver, Aurora, Castle Rock, Commerce City, Fort Lupton, Louisville, and Simla ban American Staffordshire Terriers.

Owning a Dangerous Dog in Colorado

Even if a dog breed is not banned, owners have a duty of care that requires them to protect the public from harm. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Pug, Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, or Chihuahua, Colorado Revised Statutes provide penalties against the owners of “dangerous dogs.”

Owners of these animals are required to maintain control over their animal at all times, both on private property and in public. Those who don’t can be charged with both misdemeanor and felony offenses if the dog injures or kills someone, or causes injury or death to domestic animals. The severity of these penalties depends on the dog’s history of offenses, the severity of the injury, and whether the dog attacked another animal or a human.

Individuals found guilty can be imprisoned, ordered to pay fines, and make restitution for damages. It’s also common for a Colorado dog bite attorney to request the destruction of the dog by euthanasia. Finally, the court has the discretion to prohibit the responsible party from owning a dog in the future.

Contact Sloat, Nicholson, & Hoover, P.C. at (303) 447-1144 to speak with a Colorado dog bite attorney. We’re happy to schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.