Denver, CO Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- City code
- DRMC chapter 8
- State statute
- C.R.S. 18-9-202
- Lead agency
- Denver Animal Protection
- Felony trigger
- Aggravated cruelty repeat
Summary
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.
18-9-202. Cruelty to animals - aggravated cruelty to animals - service animals - short title. (1)(a) A person commits cruelty to animals if he or she knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence overdrives, overloads, overworks, torments, deprives of necessary sustenance, unnecessarily or cruelly beats, allows to be housed in a manner that results in chronic or repeated serious physical harm, carries or confines in or upon any vehicles in a cruel or reckless manner, engages in a sexual act with an animal, or otherwise mistreats or neglects any animal, or causes or procures it to be done, or, having the charge or custody of any animal, fails to provide it with proper food, drink, or protection from the weather consistent with the species, breed, and type of animal involved, or abandons an animal.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report suspected animal hoarding in Denver?
Can a Denver hoarder keep pets after a cruelty conviction?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
Compare Denver to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview
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