Are Pit Bulls Illegal in Colorado?
Colorado’s breed-specific legislation (BSL) targets what are often considered some of the most dangerous dog breeds, including pit bulls. For decades, this has been a heated debate among those who think some breeds must be regulated for public safety, while dog owners emphasize their right to own and care for their pets without discrimination.
With decades of experience handling personal injury claims, our team of attorneys at Boesen Law deeply understands Colorado’s regulations regarding dog bites. In today’s post, we’ll explore the state’s pit bull ownership laws, which are crucial to understand for dog owners and bite victims alike.
Understanding Colorado’s Pit Bull Laws
Colorado’s pit bull ownership laws vary significantly across cities, creating a patchwork of confusing regulations for dog owners. These laws aim to address public safety concerns while balancing the rights of responsible pet owners and include:
Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL)
Breed-specific legislation (BSL) refers to laws that regulate or ban certain dog breeds, often labeling them as dangerous to reduce dog bite incidents. In Colorado, several cities have enacted BSL with differing approaches.
For example, Aurora has enforced an outright ban on pit bulls since 2005, prohibiting their ownership entirely within city limits. However, in November 2024, the 20-year-old ban on pit bulls was repealed. Meanwhile, Denver requires pit bull owners to obtain a Breed-Restricted Permit, involving a breed assessment and adherence to specific conditions.
Repeal and Reform of Pit Bull Bans
After repealing its decades-long pit bull ban in 2020, Denver implemented a Breed-Restricted Permit system. This policy allows pit bull ownership under strict conditions, including microchipping, vaccinations, and a probationary period.
This reform represents a broader trend across Colorado and the United States, where communities are reconsidering the fairness and efficacy of targeting specific breeds. Overall, there is growing support for managing dog behavior instead of outright prohibitions.
What Happens If a Pit Bull Bites Someone in Colorado?
When a pit bull harms someone, there are some legal implications for owners:
Strict Liability Law
Colorado’s strict liability law holds dog owners accountable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s prior behavior or aggression. However, this only applies when the victim is lawfully present on public or private property and suffers serious bodily injury or death due to a dog bite.
If serious bodily injury is present (defined by C.R.S. § 18-1-901 as harm posing a substantial risk of death, permanent disfigurement, or loss of a body part’s function), victims can file civil lawsuits for compensation. In these cases, they don’t need to prove the owner’s negligence or awareness of the dog’s dangerous tendencies.
Negligence-Based Claims
The victim can still pursue compensation if a dog bite doesn’t cause serious bodily injury, but the legal approach differs. In such cases, strict liability doesn’t apply. Instead, the victim must prove the dog owner’s negligence, such as failing to control the dog or ignoring known risks.
Additionally, Colorado’s comparative fault rule under C.R.S. § 13-21-111 means that victims’ compensation will be reduced if they’re partially at fault for the incident. Consulting an experienced attorney is crucial to building a strong claim if you need to demonstrate negligence or counter comparative fault considerations.
Common Misconceptions About Pit Bull Laws
Common misconceptions about pit bull laws usually stem from confusion over which breeds are regulated and how local ordinances vary. Many people believe that all dogs resembling pit bulls are automatically banned or restricted, but this isn’t always the case.
In Denver, for example, the term “pit bull” encompasses specific breeds, including American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any dog displaying predominant characteristics of these breeds.
To adopt a pit bull in Denver, owners must have their dogs undergo a breed assessment to obtain a Breed-Restricted Permit. If deemed to be predominantly a pit bull, the dog qualifies for a permit.
However, regulations differ significantly across Colorado. While Denver regulates pit bulls through permits, other cities have different restrictions or none at all. Before adopting a pit bull, verify local laws in your area to ensure compliance with specific ordinances and avoid legal issues.
Legal Rights After a Dog Bite in Colorado
In Colorado, individuals injured by dogs have the right to seek compensation through several legal avenues, depending on the incident’s circumstances and the severity of the injuries. These options include:
- Personal injury lawsuits: Victims of serious bodily injury can file personal injury claims under strict liability laws. For less severe injuries, proving the dog owner’s negligence is necessary to recover damages.
- Out-of-court settlements: Negotiating directly with the dog owner or their insurance company often resolves claims more quickly. Many homeowners’ insurance policies provide liability coverage for dog bites, including medical bills and other related costs.
- Animal control reports: Reports should be filed when a dog poses an ongoing public safety threat. While compensation for the victim typically requires a separate legal action, filing a report serves as evidence and supports your compensation claim.
After suffering from a dog bite, working with an experienced dog bite attorney in Denver ensures you have the best chances of securing fair compensation. At Boesen Law, our attorneys can guide you through every step of your claim, from gathering evidence to negotiating settlements or pursuing litigation.
Why Were Pit Bulls Initially Banned in Denver?
In 1989, Denver enacted a ban on pit bulls following a series of severe attacks, including the tragic death of a 3-year-old boy. This decision was driven by public safety concerns and a desire to prevent further incidents.
The ban was repealed in 2020, after 31 years. This change was influenced by studies indicating that breed-specific legislation didn’t significantly reduce dog attacks, as well as by shifts in public perception and advocacy for fairer laws. The key to reducing dog bite incidents seems to be responsible ownership and behavioral training, rather than breed bans.
What to Do If You Are Injured by a Pit Bull
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
- Report the incident to animal control and law enforcement.
- Document the scene, including photos of the injuries and witnesses’ contact information.
- Consult a legal expert for guidance on pursuing compensation.
Contact a Colorado Dog Bite Lawyer Today
At Boesen Law, we’ve been handling dog bite cases for decades, and we have an in-depth knowledge of the applicable laws and regulations. From the initial consultation to the final resolution, we can guide you every step of the way.
Schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers to review your case and explore the options for pursuing justice and fair compensation. Contact us today.
