Longmont, CO Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed-specific ban
- None: behavior only
- Trigger
- Bite, attack, or apparent attack
- Max penalty
- $999 fine / 180 days jail
- Destruction hearing
- Required, § 7.04.195
Summary
Longmont has no breed-specific dog ban; instead it declares any animal an 'aggressive animal', and can order it destroyed, based solely on its bite or attack behavior, regardless of breed.
The term "aggressive animal" means an animal that bites or attacks a human or another animal, or approaches a human in an apparent attitude of attack, whether or not an attack actually occurs. It is an affirmative defense that the victim specifically intended to provoke the animal. It is an affirmative defense that the victim was trespassing on the animal owner's property with intent to commit a crime other than trespass. (Code 1993, § 7.04.190; Code 2009, § 7.04.190; Ord. No. O-88-65, § 1; Ord. No. O-91-24, § 6; Ord. No. O-94-75, § 1; Ord. No. O-2024-35, § 1, 5-28-2024)
Full Breakdown
Longmont's dangerous-animal law is behavior-based, not breed-based. Under § 7.04.190(B), an 'aggressive animal' is defined as one that 'bites or attacks a human or another animal, or approaches a human in an apparent attitude of attack, whether or not an attack actually occurs': a definition that turns on conduct, not breed or type. Owning, harboring or keeping an aggressive animal is unlawful citywide (§ 7.04.190(A)); the animal may be seized and, after a municipal-court hearing under § 7.04.195, humanely destroyed as a public nuisance. No provision in Title 7 singles out any dog breed for restriction.
Violations & Fines
Owning or harboring an aggressive animal violates § 7.04.190 and can draw a fine up to $999.00, up to 180 days imprisonment, or both, under § 7.04.240(A).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Longmont ban pit bulls or other breeds?
What happens if my dog is declared aggressive?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Longmont
How Longmont compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Longmont to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview
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