Weld County, CO Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed bans
- None; state-preempted
- Authority
- C.R.S. 18-9-204.5(5)
- Basis for regulation
- Behavior, not breed
- Bodily injury
- Class 2 misdemeanor
- Causing death
- Class 5 felony
Summary
Weld County has no pit-bull or breed ban. Colorado state law, C.R.S. 18-9-204.5(5)(b), lets a county adopt dog-control resolutions but forbids any rule that regulates dangerous dogs specific to breed. The county regulates individual dogs by behavior, not breed.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to abrogate a county's authority under part 1 of article 15 of title 30, C.R.S., to adopt dog control and licensing resolutions and to impose the penalties set forth in section 30-15-102, C.R.S.; except that any such resolution shall not regulate dangerous dogs in a manner that is specific to breed.
Full Breakdown
Colorado's dangerous-dog statute preempts breed-specific legislation. C.R.S. 18-9-204.5(5)(b) preserves a county's authority to adopt dog-control and licensing resolutions "except that any such resolution shall not regulate dangerous dogs in a manner that is specific to breed," and (5)(a) applies the same limit to municipalities. Weld County Code Sec. 14-4-20(C) accordingly regulates dogs by conduct, treating a dog that inflicts bodily injury as an uncontrolled dog regardless of breed. Under the state statute a dog inflicting bodily injury is a class 2 misdemeanor, serious bodily injury a class 1 misdemeanor, and causing death a class 5 felony. No breed is banned in unincorporated Weld County, Greeley, or Evans.
Violations & Fines
Breed alone is never a violation. A dog that inflicts bodily injury is a Class 2 misdemeanor under Weld Code 14-4-100 ($250-$1,000, up to 180 days); state dangerous-dog penalties range from misdemeanor to class 5 felony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls legal in Weld County?
Can Weld County ban a specific breed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Weld County
How Weld County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Weld County to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview
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