REGULATION OF ANIMALS - GENERAL PROVISIONS

Colorado Springs City Code ch. 6, art. 7

in effect

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.7.101 PENALTIES

6.7.101: PENALTIES: A. Every person convicted of the violation of any provision stated or adopted in this article shall be punished as provided in chapter 1 of this Code, except that any person convicted of a violation listed in section 11.4.104 of this Code shall be subject only to a fine established by the Presiding Judge of the Municipal Court pursuant to subsection B of this section. B. The Presiding Judge shall specify by suitable schedules the amount of fines for first, second and subsequent offenses. (Ord. 91-32; Ord. 01-42)

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.7.102 DEFINITIONS

6.7.102: DEFINITIONS: ALTERED/UNALTERED: An altered animal is one that has been spayed or neutered (as applicable). An unaltered animal possesses intact sexual organs capable of reproduction. ANIMAL: Any animal, hoofed or otherwise, including any cat, dog, fowl or rabbit. ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER: Any law enforcement officer, special officer or authorized agent or representative of the City authorized to enforce this article through article 10 of this chapter. AT LARGE: Off the premises of the owner or keeper, and not under direct physical restraint. ATTACK: To bite, gore, or engage in any violent or aggressive physical contact with a person. CAT: Any member of the feline family, including the domestic cat. CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER: Staff member of the City's Code Enforcement Office. DANGEROUS ANIMAL: Any animal that attacks, threatens to attack or injures any person. DOG: Any dog, bitch or pup. ENCLOSURE OF A DANGEROUS ANIMAL: While on the owner's property, a dangerous animal shall be confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen, structure or fenced area suitable to prevent the animal from escaping. EXOTIC ANIMAL: Any animal which is not commonly domesticated or which is not common to North America or which, irrespective of geographic origin, is of a wild or predatory nature. FEED OR FEEDING: To place, deposit, distribute or scatter grain, hay, minerals, salt, or other foods for consumption. Feeding does not include landscape elements. FOWL: Any fowl, including any chicken, duck, goose, turkey, pigeon or other fowl. HOOFED ANIMAL: Any hoofed animal, including any cattle, sheep, goat, horse or mule. HOOFED PET: Any goat weighing less than one hundred (100) pounds at maturity. IMPOUND; IMPOUNDMENT: The holding of an animal in the animal shelter as required for a violation of article 7, 8, 9, or 10 of this chapter for a period of five (5) days or until release is ordered by a Judge of the Municipal Court. This term does not include the voluntary surrender of an animal to the animal shelter by a private citizen for the purpose of relinquishing ownership. OWNER OR KEEPER: Any person, firm, corporation, organization, or department possessing, harboring, keeping, having an interest in, or having control or custody, either permanently or temporarily, of an animal. PET: Any domesticated or wild animal which is fed, harbored or allowed to remain at or in the vicinity of a residence in the City by any person, excluding: A. Any hoofed animal other than a hoofed pet; B. Any animal held for sale by a dealer in animals; C. Any animal in a zoo, exhibition or fair authorized by the City; and D. Any animal which is held for use in bona fide scientific research. POTBELLIED PIG: A dwarf swine breed weighing less than one hundred (100) pounds. PROVOKE: To incite, aggravate, tempt, agitate, taunt, tease, torment, or abuse. ROOSTER OR COCK: Male domestic fowl of the gallinaceous kind, to include peacock and peafowl. SEVERE INJURY: An injury caused by an animal to any person or domestic animal in which at a minimum the skin is broken, exterior bleeding occurs, or medical treatment by a licensed physician or veterinarian is necessary. SHELTER: A structure beneath, behind or within which an animal is protected from the weather or any adverse conditions. THREATEN TO ATTACK: Any obvious attitude of attack to include, but not be limited to, approaching in a menacing fashion such as growling, snapping or charging at a person, or domestic animal on property other than the owner's. WILDLIFE: Any undomesticated animal species including but not limited to bear, skunks, raccoon, wolf, coyote, fox, deer, elk, moose, or antelope. Wildlife does not include animals raised as livestock, domesticated pets, or birds. (1968 Code §11-112; Ord. 74-114; 1980 Code; Ord. 81-203; Ord. 87-36; Ord. 89-13; Ord. 91-32; Ord. 96-131; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 03-31; Ord. 06-105; Ord. 08-209; Ord. 14-28; Ord. 18-22; Ord. 18-114)

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.7.103 CONSTRUCTION

6.7.103: CONSTRUCTION: In the event of any inconsistency or conflict between any requirement of this chapter and the requirements of any zoning ordinance of the City, the more restrictive provision(s) shall apply. (1968 Code §§11-113, 11-143.2; Ord. 74-114; 1980 Code; Ord. 91-32; Ord. 01-42)

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.7.104 NONCONFORMING USES

6.7.104: NONCONFORMING USES: A. Existing uses not in conformance with this chapter prior to and up to the date of recodification are declared a legal nonconforming use and may continue to exist without increase in number of animals or type of animal, in violation of subsection 6.7.106D and section 6.7.110 of this article, unless the nonconforming use constitutes a nuisance or is otherwise dangerous to the public health. In that event, the Administrator or the Health Department may initiate and pursue to completion proceedings to abate the nonconforming use pursuant to article 5 of this chapter, or in any other manner as may be provided by law. B. A nonconforming use described in subsection A of this section shall not be a defense to a criminal violation of this chapter, excluding subsection 6.7.106D and section 6.7.110 of this article. (1968 Code §§11-114, 11-143.2; Ord. 74-114; 1980 Code; Ord. 87-36; Ord. 91-32; Ord. 01-42)

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.7.105 CITY ANIMAL SHELTER

6.7.105: CITY ANIMAL SHELTER: A. The City shall provide and maintain an animal shelter in a suitable location within or near the City for the impoundment of animals as provided in this chapter. B. The City may provide by contract with any public agency, private society or association which is interested in the humane care and treatment of animals, for the establishment, maintenance and operation of an animal shelter and for the enforcement of the provisions of this article through article 10 of this chapter. (1968 Code §11-123; Ord. 74-114; 1980 Code; Ord. 91-32; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 03-31)

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.7.106 ANIMALS KEPT ON PREMISES; SANITARY REQUIREMENTS

6.7.106: ANIMALS KEPT ON PREMISES; SANITARY REQUIREMENTS: It shall be unlawful to keep animals within the city in violation of the following requirements: A. All fecal waste shall be removed as necessary from premises and placed in closed flytight containers, at least every seven (7) days. The Code Enforcement Officer has the authority to order more frequent removal depending on the number and size of the animals on the property. The contents of the containers shall be removed from the City as necessary to prevent the contents from becoming a nuisance. B. The premises upon which animals are kept shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and shall be subject to inspection at all reasonable hours by the Code Enforcement Officer or the Health Department. C. The premises upon which an animal is kept shall be fenced or the animal tied so that the animal while unattended is securely contained and is not a danger to persons or property. D. Any shelter provided for rabbits or fowl shall contain an area of at least four (4) square feet for each rabbit or fowl. An adequate area outside the shelter must be provided for any rabbits or fowl. E. The maximum number of rabbits or fowl age of four (4) months or older shall not exceed ten (10) of each. F. The maximum number of dogs or cats kept on the premises shall not exceed four (4) each after attaining the age of four (4) months, except in properly zoned and licensed kennels. In addition to the maximum number of dogs or cats kept on the premises, a single litter of puppies or kittens aged four (4) months through eight (8) months shall be permitted so long as there is no more than one other litter of puppies or kittens from birth to age four (4) months also kept on the premises. G. Hoofed pets are limited to two (2) per household or dwelling, except that three (3) or four (4) hoofed pets may be kept where the standards of Code section 7.3.303A2a(2) are met. Hoofed pets shall not be counted for purposes of limiting the total number cats, dogs, or other pets that a household may keep. H. In addition to the maximum number of hoofed pets kept on the premises, a single litter of kids from birth to age four (4) months of age shall be permitted. I. Slaughtering of animals is prohibited on residential lots. (1968 Code §11-113; Ord. 74-114; 1980 Code; Ord. 87-36; Ord. 91-32; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 03-31; Ord. 03-121; Ord. 07-134; Ord. 14-28; Ord. 23-08)

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.7.107 DUTY TO RESTRAIN ANIMALS

6.7.107: DUTY TO RESTRAIN ANIMALS: A. It shall be the duty of any owner or keeper of any dog or hoofed animal to restrain the dog or hoofed animal by means of confinement, collar and leash, or bridle from running at large upon any park or other public place in the City, and to prevent the dog or hoofed animal from becoming a danger to persons or property, or from trespassing upon the property of another. The animal is hereby declared a nuisance and may be taken up and impounded or confined, as provided in article 10 of this chapter. 1. It shall be unlawful for an owner or keeper to allow any dog, cat or hoofed animal to trespass on another's property or to run at large. 2. It shall be unlawful for an owner or keeper to allow any dog, cat or hoofed animal, while trespassing, running at large or physically restrained, to attack or fight with another domestic animal. B. It shall be unlawful for any person to fail or refuse to comply with the duties set out in this section. In imposing sentence, the court may consider other relevant factors which in its determination provide the court with sufficient mitigation of the animal's action. C. This section shall not apply to any dog, horse or other animal used or owned by the Police Department in the performance of its duties. D. This section shall not apply to any feral cat that is being introduced or returned to a feral cat colony managed by a nonprofit animal welfare organization, or any feral cat that is the subject of a trap-neuter-release program operated by a nonprofit animal welfare organization. E. The Mayor may ban or otherwise restrict the presence of cats, dogs and other animals at any special event, celebration, gathering, rally or similar event which occurs upon the property or rights-of-way of the City. This authority shall not apply to licensed assistance dogs for the sight impaired, hearing impaired or other disability. (1968 Code §11-115; Ord. 74-114; 1980 Code; Ord. 87-198; Ord. 89-13; Ord. 91-32; Ord. 96-131; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 08-209; Ord. 11-19; Ord. 18-22)

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.7.108 DANGEROUS ANIMALS

6.7.108: DANGEROUS ANIMALS: A. Prohibited: No person who owns, keeps or exercises control over any animal shall allow the animal to do the following: 1. To attack or threaten to attack or bite any person or domestic animal not on the premises of the owner or keeper. 2. To attack or threaten to attack or bite any person or domestic animal upon the premises of the residence of the owner or keeper or upon the premises of any business establishment. It is an affirmative defense to this subsection A2 that: a. The attack, threat of attack or bite by the animal was necessary to prevent or apprehend a person engaged in a criminal act upon the property; a "criminal act" is any act that could be prosecuted as a violation of any City, County, State or Federal criminal statute; or b. The attack, threat of attack or bite by the animal was in response to the animal being provoked or assaulted; or c. The attack, threat of attack or bite by the animal occurred in an area where the animal was being properly contained in an enclosure which may include, but is not limited to, a fenced area, a kennel or inside the home. B. Exception: The provisions of this section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer who uses an animal while engaged in law enforcement activities. C. Duty To Impound; Destruction Of Vicious Animal: It shall be the duty of the animal control officer to impound an animal whose owner or keeper has been cited with a violation of this section if the animal presents a clear and present danger to the public health or safety. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the animal control officer from taking whatever action is reasonably necessary to protect the officer's person or members of the public from injury or damage, or injury to any other animals in the community, including immediate destruction of any vicious animal without notice to the owner or keeper. D. Impoundment; Disposition: 1. If a complaint has been filed in the Municipal Court of the City against the owner or keeper of an impounded animal for a charge under this section, the animal shall not be released except on the order of the Municipal Judge, who may direct the owner or keeper to pay all impounding fees. Any animal which remains unclaimed for five (5) days after its release as authorized by the Municipal Judge may be disposed of at the discretion of the operator of the animal shelter. 2. If reasonable efforts have been made to notify the owner or keeper of any proceeding regarding the disposition of their animal and the owner or keeper of the animal fails to appear for any proceeding regarding the disposition of the animal, then the court is empowered to proceed without the owner or keeper. Some examples of reasonable efforts to notify the owner or keeper of a pending court proceeding are: a. Personal service on the owner or keeper, or b. Notice delivered by regular mail to the last known address of the owner or keeper of the animal, or c. Posting notice at the last known residence of the owner or keeper of the animal. d. Any notice given to the owner or keeper by the court. e. A promise to appear by the owner or keeper. 3. If the owner or keeper fails to appear after efforts to notify the owner or keeper have been made, then the Municipal Judge is empowered to hold ex parte hearings to determine the disposition of the animal. 4. If the court finds that reasonable grounds exist to believe that an animal may constitute a danger to any person or persons or to any other animals in the community, the court may order it destroyed or held pending trial. If the court finds that the animal is not a danger, the court may order it released. 5. Surrender of an animal by the owner or keeper to the animal control officer does not relieve the owner or keeper from prosecution or liability for the fees and fines imposed by this section. (Ord. 96-131; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 03-31)

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.7.109 RABID PETS OR ANIMALS

6.7.109: RABID PETS OR ANIMALS: A. Where the City or the Medical Director of the Health Department has reasonable cause to believe that an animal is rabid or has bitten a person or other animal, the animal shall be confined in accord with Colorado Revised Statutes section 25-4-604. B. Whenever the Medical Director determines that rabid animals pose an imminent danger to the public health, safety and welfare, the Medical Director shall immediately notify the Mayor. The Mayor shall then issue a proclamation requiring all persons owning, keeping or having any dog, cat or other animal to confine the animal by good and sufficient means to the house, yard or building upon the person's property for a period of time as the Mayor shall declare. The proclamation shall be posted in the City Clerk's Office and otherwise made available to the public. During the time period, any dog, cat or other animal shall only be allowed away from the house, yard or building upon leash accompanied by the owner or other responsible person. (1968 Code §§11-116, 11-137; Ord. 74-114; Ord. 75-6; 1980 Code; Ord. 91-32; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 03-31; Ord. 11-19; Ord. 11-22)

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.7.110 SPECIFIC ANIMALS PROHIBITED; EXCEPTION

6.7.110: SPECIFIC ANIMALS PROHIBITED; EXCEPTION: A. Roosters; Cocks: It shall be unlawful for any person to own or keep any rooster or cock within the City. B. Hoofed Pets: It shall be unlawful for any person to keep any: 1. Unaltered male hoofed pets over the age of two (2) months. 2. Hoofed pet with horns or horn buds over the age of two (2) months unless a licensed veterinarian has certified to the City, in writing, that it would be cruel or inhumane to dehorn the hoofed pet. C. Hogs; Pigs: It shall be unlawful for any person to own or keep any hogs or pigs within the City. D. Exception: Potbellied pigs may be owned or kept within the City under the following conditions: 1. The owner or keeper of a potbellied pig must register the pig with the City's animal control services provider immediately after acquiring the animal. The fee for the required potbellied pig registration shall be seventy five dollars ($75.00). 2. Potbellied pigs shall not exceed one hundred (100) pounds. 3. Potbellied pigs are limited to two (2) per household or dwelling. The maximum number of dogs, cats and pigs in any household or dwelling shall not exceed four (4) total animals. 4. Prior to the age of four (4) months all potbellied pigs must be tattooed or implanted with a microchip containing identifying information. 5. Female potbellied pigs shall be spayed and male potbellied pigs shall be neutered by the age of four (4) months. No unaltered male or female pigs shall be kept or permitted to breed within the City limits. 6. Potbellied pigs must at all times wear a harness bearing an identification tag including the owner's name, address and telephone number. 7. When off the owner's or keeper's property, all potbellied pigs must be on a leash less than ten feet (10') in length and under the control of the owner or keeper. 8. Potbellied pigs must be provided adequate food, water, exercise, shelter, veterinary care and otherwise comply with the provisions of this article. 9. Owners and keepers of potbellied pigs shall be liable for any damage caused by the pig to public or private property. 10. Owners and keepers of potbellied pigs may be issued a summons and complaint for violations of sections 9.6.101, 9.6.102, 9.6.104, 9.9.301 and 9.9.303 of this Code. 11. Owners and keepers of potbellied pigs are exempt from the provisions of subsection 7.3.303 A2 of this Code. It shall be unlawful to own or keep a potbellied pig in violation of any of the above conditions. (1968 Code §§11-117, 11-143.10; Ord. 74-59; Ord. 74-114; Ord. 91-32; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 06-105; Ord. 14-28; Ord. 20-71 1 ; Ord. 23-08; Ord. 23-17 2 ) Notes 1 | 1. January 1, 2021 is the effective date of Ordinance 20-71. 2 | 2. June 5, 2023 is the effective date of Ordinance 23-17.

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.7.111 EXOTIC ANIMALS; PERMIT REQUIRED

6.7.111: EXOTIC ANIMALS; PERMIT REQUIRED: A. Except as provided in subsection B of this section, no person shall own or keep within the City any animal which is not commonly domesticated or which is not common to North America or which, irrespective of geographic origin, is of a wild or predatory nature, without having first obtained a permit for the animal. B. The provisions of subsection A of this section shall not apply to the owning or keeping of birds, small rodents or small nonpoisonous reptiles not exceeding six feet (6') in length commonly used for educational or experimental purposes or for pets, nor shall these provisions apply to the owning or keeping of exotic animals by zoos, circuses or recognized institutions of learning or scientific research. (1980 Code; Ord. 91-32; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 03-31)

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.7.112 EXOTIC ANIMALS; APPLICATION FOR PERMIT

6.7.112: EXOTIC ANIMALS; APPLICATION FOR PERMIT: A. All applications for a permit required by section 6.7.111 of this article shall be made on the prescribed form. A fee of seventy five dollars ($75.00) shall accompany the application, five dollars ($5.00) of which shall be considered an application fee and shall not be refunded if the permit is denied. B. After determining that the animal will be treated humanely and will not endanger the health or safety of the surrounding neighborhood or cause a nuisance, the City shall issue to the applicant an exotic animal permit. In making the determination, the City may inspect the premises on which the animal is to be kept. C. Any exotic animal permit issued pursuant to this section shall be valid for one year and must be renewed annually by the owner or applicant. This permit shall be nontransferable. (1980 Code; Ord. 91-32; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 03-31; Ord. 20-71 1 ) Notes 1 | 1. January 1, 2021 is the effective date of Ordinance 20-71.

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.7.113 EXOTIC ANIMALS; DENIAL, REVOCATION OF PERMIT

6.7.113: EXOTIC ANIMALS; DENIAL, REVOCATION OF PERMIT: A. The City may deny an application for an exotic animal permit if: 1. The applicant has made any materially false or misleading statement in the application or has concealed relevant information; 2. The applicant has obtained the exotic animal through illegal means; 3. The applicant is not qualified to possess an exotic animal, does not have adequate facilities to keep the animal or proposes to keep the animal in an unsuitable location; 4. The public health, safety and welfare justifies the denial of the application. B. The City may revoke any exotic animal permit for any reason set forth in subsection A of this section or if the City determines that the exotic animal has become a nuisance or is otherwise in violation of this chapter or any other provision of this Code or State statute. C. The City shall notify in writing any person whose application has been denied or whose permit has been revoked. The notice shall be mailed to the person at the address given in the application for the exotic animal permit and shall state the grounds for denial or revocation. Any person whose application has been denied or permit revoked may not again apply for an exotic animal permit until six (6) months have elapsed from the date of the denial or revocation. D. Any person aggrieved by an action of the City pursuant to this section may appeal the action to the City Council by filing with the City Clerk within ten (10) days after the date of the action a written notice of appeal briefly stating the reasons upon which the appeal is based. The City Clerk shall notify the appealing party, the City and the applicant or permittee if other than the appealing party of the date on which the matter will be heard by the City Council. The applicant may keep the animal pending the outcome of the appeal. (1980 Code; Ord. 91-32; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 03-31)

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.7.114 EXOTIC ANIMALS; FAILURE TO OBTAIN PERMIT; IMPOUNDMENT

6.7.114: EXOTIC ANIMALS; FAILURE TO OBTAIN PERMIT; IMPOUNDMENT: A. It shall be unlawful for any person to own or keep an exotic animal as defined in subsection 6.7.111A of this article without obtaining a permit, or for any person whose exotic animal permit has been revoked to continue to own or keep the exotic animal. Any person violating this subsection upon conviction may be punished as provided in section 1.1.201 of this Code. In addition, any exotic animal held in violation of this subsection may be impounded. B. Any exotic animal impounded pursuant to subsection A of this section may be redeemed upon payment of the applicable redemption fee pursuant to sections 6.10.105 and 6.10.106 of this chapter. No exotic animal which has been impounded may be redeemed until an exotic animal permit has first been obtained. The right to redeem shall not apply to persons whose application for an exotic animal permit has been denied or whose permit has been revoked. C. Any exotic animal which has been impounded pursuant to this section and which has not been redeemed within ten (10) days from the date of impoundment may be adopted by any person provided that person pays all applicable redemption fees and that person first obtains an exotic animal permit for the animal. In the event that an impounded exotic animal is not redeemed or adopted within a reasonable time, the animal may be sold or donated to a zoo or other qualified organization or may be humanely destroyed at the discretion of the animal shelter operator. (1980 Code; Ord. 91-32; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 03-31)

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.7.115 NOISY PETS OR ANIMALS PROHIBITED

6.7.115: NOISY PETS OR ANIMALS PROHIBITED: A. It shall be unlawful for any person to own or keep any pet or hoofed animal which by any unreasonably loud and persistent barking, howling, baying, yelping, crowing, crying or other utterance disturbs the peace and quiet of the neighborhood. B. It shall be a defense to the violation of this section that the complainant provoked the pet or hoofed animal whose noise is complained of by the complainant. C. In the event an animal control officer determines that a violation of this section has occurred, the animal control officer shall give the owner or keeper of the animal a written warning of the violation pursuant to this chapter. The owner or keeper shall be entitled to a period of three (3) days after the date on which the written warning is given to correct the violation. If the violation persists or recurs for any pet or hoofed animal at the same residence cited in the warning after the three (3) day period, the owner or keeper shall be subject to enforcement action under this chapter. No enforcement action for a violation of this section shall be taken more than six (6) calendar months after the date on which a written warning for that violation is given. If enforcement action is taken within six (6) months of the date on which a written warning was given, the issuance of a summons and complaint shall constitute written warning for the purposes of calculating a new six (6) month enforcement period. Only one warning per residence, per enforcement period, regardless if served on the owner or keeper, will be given. D. The warning process to be employed by the animal control officer shall be as follows: 1. A written warning pursuant to subsection C of this section will be issued by the animal control officer if, upon investigation, the officer establishes that there is one witness to the unreasonably loud and persistent nature of the noise. The officer or the complaining witness may be relied upon as a witness in meeting this requirement. 2. The warning shall be sufficient if it cites this section, states that a complaint has been received, that the person's pet or hoofed animal is disturbing the peace of another in the neighborhood, identifies the date and time of the disturbance, identifies the animal disturbing the peace, identifies the witness to the disturbance and is identified as coming from within the City limits. 3. A warning is given under this section if it is posted on the owner's or keeper's premises. 4. The City shall keep records of all warnings given and the records shall be prima facie evidence that the warnings were given. E. No person shall be convicted at trial of violating this section unless some testimonial or demonstrative evidence is presented corroborating the complaining witness's allegation of the unreasonably loud and persistent nature of the noise and a warning was issued pursuant to subsection D of this section. A corroborating witness shall not include the complainant nor a member of the complainant's household. F. Upon a second conviction entered and in addition to any other penalties that may be imposed, the court may order the owner or keeper of the pet to abate the nuisance within five (5) days. Failure to abate the nuisance within five (5) days shall constitute a "contempt of court" as defined in chapter 11 of this Code. G. For the purpose of this section, "neighborhood" means the area within five hundred feet (500') of the exterior boundaries of the premises where the pet resides; "disturb" means to unreasonably annoy, perturb or interfere with the quiet enjoyment of another's premises. H. Among the circumstances which may be considered in determining whether reasonable grounds for belief have arisen that an owner's or keeper's pet or hoofed animal is in violation of this section are: 1. The time of day. 2. The location of the noise. 3. The frequency of the noise. 4. The length of time for which the noise persists. (Ord. 96-131; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 03-31; Ord. 04-178)

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.7.116 ANIMAL FIGHTS PROHIBITED

6.7.116: ANIMAL FIGHTS PROHIBITED: It shall be unlawful for any person to allow or promote any fight between animals or fowl, or to allow or permit any fights in any house or upon any premises in the person's possession or under the person's control, or to keep or train animals for fighting. (1968 Code §11-120; Ord. 74-114; Ord. 89-13; Ord. 91-32; Ord. 01-42)

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.7.117 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS PROHIBITED

6.7.117: CRUELTY TO ANIMALS PROHIBITED: A. It shall be unlawful for any person: 1. To overload, overwork, torture, beat, mutilate, needlessly kill or otherwise treat any animal in a cruel and inhumane manner; 2. To fail to provide any animal owned or kept by the person with adequate and proper food or drink or protection from the weather, or with adequate space, consistent with the normal requirements and habits of the animal's size, species and breed; 3. To abandon any animal; or 4. To intentionally poison any animal. B. Where there is reasonable cause to believe that an animal is being mistreated or is suffering from malnutrition, the animal may be impounded for treatment. For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this subsection, the animal control officer may enter onto private property. C. In the event an animal is removed from private property pursuant to subsection B of this section, a reasonable attempt shall be made to notify the owner or keeper of the animal. D. In the event an animal has been impounded under this section, then the procedures as set out in subsection 6.7.108D of this article shall be followed in order to reach a final disposition of the animal by the court. Upon a finding of guilty, the defendant shall be assessed the costs of treatment. In addition to making determinations as required by this section the court shall determine whether it is in the best interest of the animal not to be returned to the owner or keeper. The court may order that the act of cruelty relinquishes ownership in that owner or keeper. If the court orders ownership relinquished, then the court may further authorize the release of the animal to the care and custody of the animal shelter operator. As a condition of the adoption of an animal that has been the subject of a violation of this section, the animal shelter operator may recover impoundment costs. (1968 Code §11-121; Ord. 74-114; Ord. 75-6; 1980 Code; Ord. 91-32; Ord. 96-131; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 03-31)

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.7.118 UNLAWFUL SALE OR DISPLAY

6.7.118: UNLAWFUL SALE OR DISPLAY: It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale, barter or give away any baby chicken, rabbit, duckling or other fowl, under eight (8) weeks of age, as a pet, toy, premium or novelty or to color, dye, stain or otherwise change the color of any baby chicken, rabbit, duckling or other fowl. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the sale or display of baby chickens, rabbits, ducklings or other fowl in proper facilities by breeders or stores engaged in the business of selling animals for the purpose of commercial breeding and raising. (1968 Code §11-122; Ord. 74-114; Ord. 91-32; Ord. 01-42)

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.7.119 DANGEROUS ANIMAL LICENSE

6.7.119: DANGEROUS ANIMAL LICENSE: A. Any animal declared to be dangerous pursuant to the provisions of section 6.7.108 of this article shall be required to be licensed as a dangerous animal. It shall be unlawful for the owner of a dangerous animal to fail to notify the City of any sale or transfer of ownership of a dangerous animal licensed pursuant to this section. B. All applications for a dangerous animal license shall be made to the City on the prescribed form. A fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) shall accompany the application, five dollars ($5.00) of which shall be considered an application fee and nonrefundable. C. Any dangerous animal license issued pursuant to this section shall be in addition to any other license required by this chapter and shall be valid for one year and must be renewed annually by the owner or keeper. (Ord. 89-13; Ord. 89-47; Ord. 91-32; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 03-31; Ord. 20-71 1 ) Notes 1 | 1. January 1, 2021 is the effective date of Ordinance 20-71.

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.7.120 ROADSIDE SALE OF ANIMALS PROHIBITED

6.7.120: ROADSIDE SALE OF ANIMALS PROHIBITED: A. It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, trade, barter, lease, rent, give away, or display for any purpose a live animal on a roadside, public right-of-way, commercial parking lot, or at an outdoor special sale, swap meet, flea market, parking lot sale, or similar event. B. This section does not apply to: 1. An agent of a business that is licensed by the Colorado Department of Agriculture to operate a pet store; 2. An event primarily for the sale of agricultural livestock such as hoofed animals or animals or fowl commonly raised for food, dairy, or fiber products; or 3. A tax exempt nonprofit organization founded for the purpose of providing humane sanctuary or shelter for abandoned or unwanted animals. (Ord. 12-82)

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.7.121 LIMITATIONS ON FEEDING OF WILDLIFE

6.7.121: LIMITATIONS ON FEEDING OF WILDLIFE: A. It shall be a noncriminal civil infraction for a person, without authorization, to feed any wildlife within the City. B. No person shall be subject to prosecution under this section unless, within six (6) months immediately preceding the date of the alleged violation, such person has been issued either: 1) a written warning stating that such feeding is prohibited by the provisions of this section, or 2) a citation for an alleged violation of this section. C. The provisions of this section shall not apply to animals in the possession and control of an animal shelter, bird rescue, accredited zoo, education center or any other facility licensed, administered or under contract by the State or Federal government, or any political subdivision thereof. D. The warning process shall be as follows: 1. A written warning pursuant to subsection B of this section will be issued if, upon investigation, it is established that there is one witness to the feeding of wildlife. The complaining witness may be relied upon as a witness in meeting this requirement. 2. The warning shall be sufficient if it cites this section, states that a complaint has been received, that the person has been witnessed feeding wildlife, identifies the date and time of the feeding of wildlife, identifies the witness to the feeding of wildlife and identifies the location of wildlife feeding within the City limits. 3. A warning shall be sufficient if it is posted on the subject premises. 4. After a warning is issued, the offending condition shall be cured within twenty four (24) hours. 5. The City shall keep records of all warnings given and the records shall be prima facie evidence that the warnings were given. (Ord. 18-114)

Source: City of Colorado Springs, Colorado, City Code and City Charter (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/coloradospringsco/latest/coloradosprings_co/0-0-0-6965Fetched: 11/1/2026