Colorado
Updates about legal issues facing animals in the state
The Animal Legal Defense Fund works at the federal, state and local levels to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals.
Animal Protection Laws Ranking
Each year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund publishes its U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report. Each state is ranked based on 20 different categories of animal protection.
Colorado
Overall Rank: #4 (Top Tier)
- +Veterinarians must report suspected animal cruelty, and have immunity for doing so
- +Protection orders may include animals
- +Mandatory mental health evaluation/treatment for convicted offenders, with emphasis on addressing causative factors
- -Possession ban statute only includes “pet animal[s]” and is not mandatory for misdemeanor animal cruelty
- -Sexual assault of an animal is a misdemeanor upon a first offense
Animal Protection Laws of Colorado
The Animal Protection Laws of Colorado compendium contains the general animal protection and related statutes for Colorado with an effective date on or before September 1, 2022.
Legislative Session
Active Legislation
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Active Cases
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Take Action
Take action now to help animals in your state.
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Stop Ag-Gag Laws
Undercover investigations and whistleblowers have exposed some of the worst aspects of factory farming, but Ag-Gag laws punish people who speak out about cruelty in animal agriculture. Voice your opposition.
No More Puppy Mills
Puppy mill operators maximize their profits by producing large numbers of puppies as quickly as possible. As a result, unsanitary conditions, disease, and neglect are rampant. Sign our pledge to boycott puppy mills. Together we can end cruel puppy mills.
Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals
Want to take the next step in your animal advocacy? Learn the skills you need to pass laws protecting animals at the local level! Local laws are critical – not only do they help individual animals in your community but prime state legislation.
Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Prohibiting Circuses and Traveling Shows that Exploit Animals
Learn how wild animals are exploited in circuses and traveling shows, and how you can help!
Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Fur Bans
Learn how to fight back against the cruel fur industry by passing a fur ban in your community! Led by Animal Legal Defense Fund Campaigns Manager Elizabeth Holtz, this webinar will walk you through the mechanics of fur production, the policy issues, including animal cruelty, environmental impacts, and public health, and more.
Recent Victories
An Act to Prohibit Wagering On Simulcast Greyhound Races (Colorado)
H.B. 1041
Protects greyhounds from racing by ending off-track betting on greyhound races that are conducted at, and simulcast from, a track outside of Colorado.
Pet Animal Ownership In Housing (Colorado)
H.B. 1068
Proposed legislation contains several provisions to increase protections for both companion animals and their families.
Providing Key Protections for Agricultural Workers (Colorado)
Bill Would Help Protect Colorado’s Tens of Thousands of Farm Workers
Helps protect Colorado’s tens of thousands of farm workers by establishing whistleblower protections, fairer compensation for labor, and protections other workers already access through Colorado’s Labor Peace Act
The Traveling Exotic Animal Safety Protection Act (Colorado)
Prohibits certain wild animals, including big cats, bears, nonhuman primates, and elephants, from being used in circuses
The Traveling Animal Protection Act bans the use of certain wild animals, including big cats, bears, nonhuman primates, and elephants, in entertainment performances in circuses and traveling shows.
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2022 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws