Some dogs are known for being more aggressive or dangerous than others. For this reason, many local governments have banned certain dog breeds in an attempt to prevent serious or fatal dog attacks. The laws vary by state, and in some cases, by county as well. Here’s a look at the dog breed-specific laws in Colorado:
Dog Breed-Specific Laws by City
Many Colorado cities have established bans on certain breeds of dogs, including:
- Aurora
- Broomfield
- Castle Rock
- Commerce City
- Denver
- Fort Lupton
- Louisville
- Lone Tree
- Town of Simla
All of these cities currently have banned pit bills, which are known as one of the most aggressive and powerful breeds. This means no one within these cities is allowed to own, keep, transport, or sell a pit bill. There are several exceptions to this rule, however. For example, an owner can bring a pit bull into one of these cities if the dog is participating at a dog show. But in general, these dogs are not permitted in any of the cities listed above.
Some cities have gone even further with their breed-specific bans. Lone Tree has banned all fighting breeds, including pit bulls, American bulldogs, canary dogs, Japanese mastiffs, and other breeds known for their aggressive nature.
Dog Bites & Banned Breeds
If a dog bites someone, the dog’s owner is typically held liable for the victim’s injuries. This is true regardless of the dog’s breed or its history of aggression.
But, what happens if someone is attacked by a dog that is supposed to be banned from the city? The owner will still be liable for your injuries. In fact, the owner may be ordered to compensate you even more.
Owners must comply with all laws related to dog ownership, including the laws that outlaw certain breeds. Failing to comply with local breed-specific laws can be seen as negligence. If the court believes the dog’s owner acted with extreme negligence, the court may award the victim punitive damages in addition to economic and non-economic damages. As a result, the dog’s owner will end up paying dearly for her failure to comply with the dog breed-specific laws.
Have you been attacked by a dog? If so, speak to a personal injury attorney at Reisch Law Firm today. We will work tirelessly to hold the dog’s owner liable and recover the compensation that you deserve. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
