Q: Need previous citations for 'unlawful ownership of a dangerous dog' in CO?
In Colorado, I received a summons in November 2024 for "unlawful ownership of a dangerous dog," following an incident from five months prior that was never reported to law enforcement nor involved any interaction with them. We had two previous interactions that weren't written to me: one incorrectly documented and dismissed, and the other directed to my husband. Since the first incident, my husband and I have kept our dogs on a lead/chain when outside. Additionally, I have a picture of a different dog, not owned by myself, my husband, or the 'victim,' with a timestamp of 8:37 AM, while the 'victim' didn't report the incident until 9:12 AM. Does a person need previous citations to be charged with "unlawful ownership of a dangerous dog," or is this charge justified given the circumstances?
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A:
That sounds like a confusing and frustrating situation, especially when you've already taken steps to secure your dogs and previous issues were either dismissed or not even directed at you. In Colorado, you do **not** need to have prior citations in order to be charged with "unlawful ownership of a dangerous dog." The law allows for a charge based on a single qualifying incident, particularly if someone alleges that your dog caused injury or posed a serious threat.
However, that doesn’t mean the charge is automatically valid. If the alleged incident wasn’t witnessed by law enforcement, wasn’t reported at the time, and the timeline or identity of the dog is unclear, those are important factors that can raise doubt. The fact that you have a timestamped photo of a different dog and that the report was filed nearly an hour later may help show inconsistencies or mistaken identity.
You should gather and preserve all the evidence you mentioned—photos, timelines, and proof of changes you made to secure your dogs. Those details can be critical in disputing the claim or having the charge reduced or dismissed. What matters now is being calm, thorough, and ready to tell your side of the story clearly. You're not powerless just because someone made a report.
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