How Fountain Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Fountain maintains 39 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Fountain falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Dog Leash Laws

Fountain requires dogs to be leashed or confined when off the owner's property under Title 6 of the municipal code. Animal control is provided by El Paso County Regional Animal Services.

Key details: Leash Required: Yes — off owner's property (Title 6). Animal Control: El Paso County Regional Animal Services: 719-520-7387. Licensing: Annual dog license through El Paso County required. Off-Leash Areas: Designated park areas only.

Off-leash: $50 to $250. At-large: impound fees + citation. Unlicensed: $50 to $200. Waste: $50 to $250.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping in Fountain is regulated under the Zoning Ordinance (Title 17, Chapter 17.18 — Animal Raising and Keeping). Colorado Department of Agriculture hive registration is required. Specific hive limits and setback requirements apply.

Key details: Code Section: Title 17, Chapter 17.18 — Animal Raising and Keeping. State Registration: Required by CO Dept of Agriculture (free) — C.R.S. §35-27-115. Flyway Management: Direct away from neighbors or use 6-foot barrier. Planning Dept: 719-322-2017 for zone-specific hive limits.

Unauthorized hives: removal order. Nuisance complaints: fines. Unregistered apiary: state-level penalty.

Breed Restrictions

Fountain has no breed-specific ordinance. Colorado SB 21-132 (2021) prohibits all municipalities from enacting breed-specific bans. Dangerous animals are regulated individually based on behavior.

Key details: Breed Ban: None — prohibited by CO SB 21-132. Dangerous Animals: Regulated individually by behavior — Title 6. State Preemption: SB 21-132 (2021) bans local BSL statewide. Animal Control: El Paso County Regional Animal Services: 719-520-7387.

Breed ban violations: impoundment and fines per city ordinance. Dangerous dog violations: escalating penalties.

Fountain is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

Exotic Pets

Exotic or wild animals require compliance with El Paso County and Colorado state wildlife regulations. Certain species are prohibited from private possession under Colorado law. Local zoning may also restrict exotic animals.

Key details: State Law: C.R.S. §33-6-107 — Colorado Wildlife Act. Local Restrictions: Title 6 and Zoning Ordinance restrict exotic animals. State Permits: Required for some exotics through CO Parks & Wildlife. Animal Services: El Paso County Regional Animal Services: 719-520-7387.

Confiscation of prohibited animals. Fines $500 to $5,000. Criminal charges possible for dangerous species. Owner liable for damages from escaped animals.

Compared to other cities, Fountain takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Chickens & Livestock

Fountain may allow backyard chickens with limits. Roosters typically banned in residential areas. Livestock requires agricultural zoning or minimum lot size.

Key details: Hens: Typically 4 to 8 allowed. Roosters: Usually prohibited. Livestock: Agricultural zones. HOA: Often prohibits all.

Unauthorized livestock: removal order. Nuisance: $100 to $500. Roosters in prohibited areas: immediate removal.

The Bottom Line

Fountain's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Fountain is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Fountain can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.