On Tuesday, Feb. 27, Carbondale police were dispatched to respond to several calls regarding two dogs running loose: one black and one tan. While en route to the area, near Village Road and Highway 133, dispatch reported that the tan dog was chasing pedestrians and attempting to bite them.
According to a press release from the Carbondale Police Department (CPD), several people attempted to capture and restrain the animals, and one person was bitten in the process. Both animals were eventually caught by police officers. The black dog was released back to its owner, while the tan dog was placed on a 10-day bite quarantine before being released back to its owners.
In a collaborative email response from CPD Chief Kirk Wilson and executive assistant Anna Ramirez, The Sopris Sun was told the quarantine period is standard procedure so the animal can be tested for diseases such as rabies.
“The owner of the dogs was charged with ‘Unlawful Ownership of a Dangerous Dog’ in Garfield County Court,” CPD stated. “When a dog owner is cited for running at large, Carbondale Municipal Court has a wide range of penalty assessments at their disposal depending on whether the dog is spayed or neutered. If the dog is spayed or neutered, the penalty assessment is half the cost compared to an animal that is not.” The penalty can range from $25-$50 for a first offense up to $150-$300 for a third offense. A fourth offense will result in a court summons.
Though there is no statewide leash law in Colorado, dogs are required to be under control at all times, with laws varying from county to county. In Carbondale specifically, it is unlawful “to own, control, or have charge of any dog running at large.” But what does that mean?
Broken down, the law states that a dog is considered to be at large when it is running loose on public property or away from the owner’s place of residence without being restrained by a leash that’s no longer than 7 feet. Exceptions include designated off-leash dog parks and confined spaces such as vehicles or private businesses which allow dogs under supervision.
“When a dog attacks a person or animal in the Town of Carbondale, the municipal court has a wide range of penalties and/or options,” CPD continued. “The court can impose a penalty assessment all the way up to ordering the dog be provided training, removing the dog from town limits, or the judge can order a dog to be euthanized in extreme cases.”
It is important to remember that these laws are in place to protect both dog owners and dogs. Even if your dog is friendly, that doesn’t mean other dogs won’t trigger a fight that could result in dangerous situations.
“The goal with these codes is compliance,” CPD concluded. “When it comes to dogs that injure others, it is not uncommon for the injured person to take the dog owner to court for civil damages.”
To report dog bites or aggressive behavior, call CPD at 970-963-2662. For more information on leash laws in Carbondale, visit carbondalegov.org