How To Contact Animal Control In Denver
Dogs may be man’s best friend, but even domesticated pets can give in to their animal instincts on occasion and attack humans. Dogs may bite for any number of reasons, causing serious injury.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 4.5 million people suffer dog bites each year. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting shows that 1 in 5 people require medical attention following a dog bite. Further, children are the most likely not only to be bitten but also to suffer the worst injuries from dog bites.
Although laws vary by state, dog owners can be held liable in situations where they fail to control their pets that bite someone. What are the laws regarding dog bites in Colorado, and how can you contact animal control in Denver after such an attack?
Colorado Dog Bite Laws
Under Colorado Revised Statutes section 13-21-124, those who suffer “serious bodily injury” in a dog bite attack are eligible to recover economic damages from the dog’s owner. Serious bodily injuries are characterized as physical injuries that entail severe bruising, lacerations, or muscle tears requiring medical care or corrective or cosmetic surgery.
This law pertains only to attacks that occur when the person is on public or private property legally, so if an illegal trespasser is attacked by a dog, for example, the owner may not be held liable. Owners may also avoid liability by clearly posting “no trespassing” or “beware of dog” signs, and if the dog is provoked, it could nullify liability.
In addition to seeking economic damages, the victim may ask the court to order that the animal be euthanized if it is proven that the owner knew about the dog’s vicious or dangerous tendencies beforehand.
Some states have “one bite” rules that hold dog owners liable only if they knew beforehand that their pet had vicious or dangerous tendencies. Colorado is not among them; if a dog bites someone, the owner can be held liable, regardless of past pet behavior.
Contacting Animal Control In Denver
You should know that you may be required by law to report dog bites. If a human is bitten by a dog and the skin is broken, the incident must be reported within 12 hours. This requirement is meant to identify cases of rabies exposure, and animals reported are placed on a 10-day quarantine.
Denver County residents may complete an online form to report a dog bite or contact a Denver Animal Protection (DAP) officer by calling dispatch at 720-913-2080. This line also offers assistance for animal welfare complaints, reporting stray or loose dogs, and so on.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
A dog may attack or bite for several reasons, such as if it is:
- Scared or startled
- Feeling threatened
- Sick or hurt
- Protecting something or someone
- Not well socialized to other people or pets
- Playing
- Untrained
Some dogs have an aggressive temperament or experiences that cause them to be more aggressive. You must contact Denver Animal Control to report a dog bite if the victim’s skin is broken during the incident, but you can also call to report instances of vicious or dangerous animals that are not controlled by their owners.
What To Do If You Suffer An Animal Attack in Denver
Whether you are attacked by a dog on private property, in public, or in a workplace accident at a business that’s dog-friendly, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. If the law requires it, you must also report the incident to Denver Animal Control.
From there, you’ll want to collect evidence like medical records, photos, and witness statements and contact a qualified lawyer to help you seek compensation for economic damages.
Contact our Denver Personal Injury Law Firm Today For Help
For more information please contact Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation with a Denver personal injury lawyer.
Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawyers
1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120. Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
24/7
