Jefferson County requires proper care for every animal and treats hoarding-type conditions (inadequate food, water, shelter, sanitation, or feces accumulation) as offenses. Severe cases are prosecuted as cruelty to animals, a Class I misdemeanor under Colorado law.
The Animal Control Regulation makes failure to provide proper care a petty offense, covering inadequate food, water, shelter, veterinary care, grooming, unsafe tethering, and unsanitary feces/urine accumulation, the hallmarks of animal hoarding. "Improper Care" is defined to include allowing feces or urine to accumulate to the point of creating unsanitary, offensive, or unhealthy conditions. Where conduct rises to cruelty as defined in CRS 18-9-202, it is charged as a Class I misdemeanor. Animal Control officers appointed as Animal Protection Agents by the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture handle cruelty summonses and may impound neglected animals.
Failure to provide proper care: $100 minimum fine (up to $300). Cruelty to animals (CRS 18-9-202): Class I misdemeanor, $500–$5,000 fine and/or up to 18 months jail. Officers may impound neglected animals.
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