Proposed Colorado bill considers dogs dangerous after first bite

By Elizabeth Rhein

Published on April 17, 2006

The proposed law would require owners of dogs who have bitten to inform their groomers, veterinarians, or other animal care workers that their dog is dangerous and has a tendency to bite.

Unlike legislation in other states, the bill being considered in Colorado would allow officials to prosecute dangerous dog owners after the first biting incident that results in an injury. The new law would require owners to confine their pet in a secure enclosure, keep it muzzled and on a leash when outside the enclosure, and to have a microchip implanted in the dog for future identification.

A second violation of the law would result in a misdemeanor charge, three months in jail, and a minimum $250 fine.

Proponents of the bill say that it is fairer than breed-specific laws, such as those banning pit bulls, because every dog has the potential to become dangerous.

The Colorado law would be the latest in the trend of state laws cracking down on dangerous dogs.

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