Colorado Breed Restrictions Law: Statewide Animal Ordinances Rules (2026)

Key Facts

State Statute: C.R.S. 18-9-204.5(5)(b)
Key Case: Dog Fanciers v. Denver 1991
Home Rule Effect: Cities retain authority
Denver Status: Ban repealed 2020

Source: C.R.S. 18-9-204.5 - Unlawful ownership of dangerous dog

Full Breakdown

C.R.S. 18-9-204.5(5)(b) attempted to prohibit breed-specific dangerous dog designations, but Colorado Dog Fanciers v. Denver (1991) and subsequent rulings affirmed that home-rule cities like Denver and Aurora retain authority to enact breed bans. Denver repealed its pit bull ban in 2020. The state statute applies only to dangerous dog adjudications, not breed-based ownership restrictions. Statutory cities follow state defaults; home-rule municipalities set their own policies.

Violations & Penalties

Where local breed bans exist, violations result in seizure, fines $100-$1,000, and possible euthanasia of unregistered restricted breeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Colorado state law ban breed-specific legislation?

Only for state-level dangerous dog determinations. Home-rule cities may still enact breed-specific ordinances under their constitutional authority over local matters.

Are pit bulls legal in Colorado?

Generally yes statewide, but check local ordinances. Some Colorado cities historically restricted pit bulls, though most major cities including Denver have repealed such bans.

Colorado Breed-Specific Legislation Preemption Repealed

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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