§ 14-51. Dangerous animals.

(a)

Any animal exhibiting behavior set forth in this section is hereby declared to be a dangerous animal. It shall be unlawful for any owner or custodian of an animal to permit or allow said animal, without intentional provocation, to:

(1)

Cause bodily injury to any person at any place within the city;

(2)

Approach any person in a menacing or terrorizing manner, or in an apparent attitude of attack, while off the owner's or custodian's property;

(3)

Kill another animal while off the owner's or custodian's property; or

(4)

Attack any person who is lawfully on the owner's or custodian's property.

(b)

It shall be an affirmative defense to charges under this section if the victim of the attack has made an unlawful entry into the dwelling or enclosed premises of the owner or custodian or was bitten during the commission of a crime against the owner or custodian.

(c)

Impoundment of animals whose owners or custodians have been cited for violation of this section shall be at the discretion of the animal management officer. If the animal presents a clear and present danger to the public health or safety, it shall be the duty of the animal management officer or his agent to impound such animal.

(d)

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the animal management officer from taking whatever action is reasonably necessary to protect his person or other members of the public from injury or damage, including immediate destruction of any dangerous animal without notice to the owner or custodian.

(Code 1981, § 6-30; Ord. No. 3496, § 2, 12-14-1998; Ord. No. 4028, § 7, 10-16-2006 )

State law reference

Dangerous dogs, C.R.S. § 18-9-204.5.