Broomfield, CO Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Section 6-20-010, in Chapter 6-20 (Unlawful Attacks), regulates dangerous animals by conduct rather than breed: it is unlawful to own an animal that causes bodily injury to a person or to a domesticated animal or livestock in an unprovoked attack on or off the owner's premises, or that repeatedly charges a fence, charges to the end of its lead, or otherwise acts in a way that would reasonably cause fear of imminent bodily harm. Subsection (B) lists seven circumstances that do not count as 'unprovoked,' including attacks that occur because the victim provoked the animal, was breaking up a dogfight, was attacking another person, was trespassing on the fenced portion of the animal's premises, or was attempting to capture the animal without authority.

Subsection (C) separately makes it unlawful for an owner to fail to take immediate and effective corrective action once an animal is in violation. Section 6-20-020 lets animal control officers impound a violating animal without prior notice, and if it cannot be safely seized, an officer may destroy it after reasonable capture efforts. An owner can demand a municipal court hearing before destruction, where the court weighs the animal's conduct, any prior violations, and any corrective steps taken, and only the court, not the officer, can order euthanasia. Section 6-20-030 escalates penalties for repeat violations by the same animal or household within three years and mandates additional court-ordered conditions.