Denver does not have a standalone hoarding ordinance, but DRMC chapter 8 pet limits combined with Colorado C.R.S. 18-9-202 cruelty to animals reach hoarding cases. Denver Animal Protection investigates with police support and may seize animals.
Denver Animal Protection (DAP), part of the Department of Public Health & Environment, enforces DRMC chapter 8 limits on number of pets per dwelling and conditions of keeping. Colorado state law C.R.S. 18-9-202 makes it cruelty to animals to mistreat, neglect, or fail to provide proper food, water, or sanitary shelter, which is the lead charge in hoarding cases. A first cruelty offense is a class 1 misdemeanor; aggravated cruelty is a class 6 felony. DAP officers respond to complaints, may seek emergency seizure under C.R.S. 18-9-202.5, and pursue cost-of-care bonds. The District Attorney prosecutes alongside Denver City Attorney for DRMC violations. Hoarders often face mental-health diversion alongside ban-on-ownership orders.
Animal cruelty under C.R.S. 18-9-202 is a class 1 misdemeanor with up to 364 days jail and $1,000 fine for first offense; aggravated cruelty or repeated hoarding can become a class 6 felony with prison time.
Denver, CO
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Denver, CO
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Denver, CO
DRMC chapter 8 limits Denver households to three dogs and three cats per dwelling unit unless a pet animal facility license is obtained. Litters under four m...
See how Denver's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
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