Colorado Statewide Rule

Colorado Animal Cruelty and Hoarding Felony Statute

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Colorado (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: C.R.S. 18-9-202
First Offense: Class 1 misdemeanor
Felony Trigger: Aggravated/repeat offense
Forfeiture: Court-ordered

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: C.R.S. 18-9-202 - Cruelty and aggravated cruelty to animals

Summary

Colorado criminalizes animal hoarding under the cruelty statute when conditions cause suffering. The law applies uniformly statewide regardless of municipal animal limits.

18-9-202. Cruelty and aggravated cruelty to animals, service animals, and law enforcement animals - penalties - short title - definition. (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.

Source: C.R.S. 18-9-202 - Cruelty and aggravated cruelty to animalsView official code

Full Breakdown

C.R.S. 18-9-202 criminalizes animal cruelty including neglect from hoarding when animals are kept in conditions causing illness, malnutrition, or death. First offenses are class 1 misdemeanors; subsequent offenses or aggravated cruelty rise to class 6 felonies. Courts may order forfeiture, mental health evaluation, and bans on future ownership. Local pet limit ordinances supplement but do not preempt state cruelty law. Bureau of Animal Protection officers enforce statewide.

Violations & Penalties

Class 1 misdemeanor: up to 364 days jail and $1,000 fine. Felony cruelty: up to 18 months prison and $100,000 fine plus animal forfeiture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is animal hoarding a felony in Colorado?

Hoarding can be charged as felony aggravated cruelty under C.R.S. 18-9-202 when conditions cause severe neglect, death, or repeat offenses, with prison and ownership bans.

Can authorities seize hoarded animals?

Yes. Animal control and Bureau of Animal Protection officers may seize animals with court order. Owners may face cost-of-care bonds and permanent forfeiture upon conviction.

Sources

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