Neglecting, abandoning or mistreating animals is unlawful in Adams County under its Animal Control Code and Colorado's cruelty statute. Officers may impound neglected animals, and hoarding conditions are addressed through these cruelty and neglect provisions.
The Adams County Animal Control Code adopts Colorado's cruelty law (CRS § 18-9-202): it is unlawful to knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence deprive an animal of necessary sustenance, neglect, abandon, torture or otherwise mistreat it. "Neglect" means failing to provide food, water, shelter from the elements or normal care for the animal's health. An Animal Management Officer with probable cause may take possession of and impound an animal that is a cruelty victim and is endangered if left with its owner; a suffering, severely injured or diseased animal may be euthanized. Hoarding situations, where too many animals lead to neglect, are enforced under these cruelty and neglect provisions.
Cruelty/neglect is a petty offense under the county code ($300 fine and/or 10 days jail) and can be charged criminally under CRS § 18-9-202. Animals may be impounded and owners billed for care.
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