Colorado Statewide Rule
Colorado Dangerous Dog and State Park Leash Standards
Key Facts
- Dangerous Dog Statute
- C.R.S. 18-9-204.5
- State Park Leash
- 6-foot maximum
- Felony Threshold
- Serious bodily injury
- Local Authority
- Cities set residential rules
Summary
Colorado state law sets dangerous dog penalties and leash requirements on state lands. Local leash ordinances are otherwise determined by municipalities and counties throughout Colorado.
(2) Unless otherwise allowed by commission rule or regulation, it is unlawful for any person to knowingly or negligently allow or direct a dog which the person owns or which is under the person's control to harass wildlife, whether or not the wildlife is actually injured by such dog. Any person who violates this subsection (2) commits a petty offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of two hundred dollars. (3) A Colorado wildlife officer or other peace officer may capture or kill any dog he or she determines to be harassing wildlife. The provisions of this subsection (3) shall not apply to dogs that are under the direct personal control of a person.
Full Breakdown
C.R.S. 18-9-204.5 establishes dangerous dog offenses, with bites causing serious injury treated as misdemeanors or felonies. Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations require dogs to remain leashed (six-foot maximum) in state parks and wildlife areas under 2 CCR 405-1. The Colorado Dog Protection Act (C.R.S. 29-5-101) governs law enforcement encounters with dogs. Localities set their own at-large leash ordinances; Colorado has no statewide residential leash mandate.
Violations & Penalties
Dangerous dog offenses range from petty offense to class 4 felony; state park leash violations carry citations up to $100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Colorado require leashes statewide?
What makes a dog legally 'dangerous' in Colorado?
Sources
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