What do Mongo, a 3-year-old Pit Bull service dog for an Iraq veteran,

and Chloe, a loving family dog from Commerce City,

 have in common?

They were two of several non-aggressive Colorado dogs — with no violent history — who were shot and killed unnecessarily by law enforcement. Following these tragic shootings, Colorado dog owners and dog advocate groups banded together to pass legislation that would prevent further senseless acts against dogs.

The Colorado Dog Protection Act (2013)

On Monday, May 13, 2013, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper signed into law the first legislation of its kind in the country. The new law, known as the Colorado Dog Protection Act (Senate Bill 13-226), requires that all police and sheriff departments complete a training course focused on recognizing dog behavior and employing non-lethal control methods. The training curriculum was developed by animal behaviorists and veterinarians, and it aims to prevent dog shootings by law enforcement in non-dangerous situations. In addition, the law requires that authorities give dog owners the option to control or remove their dog during non-violent calls before officers take control measures.

Before the bill reached Governor Hickenlooper's desk, it passed unanimously in both the House and the Senate. The Dog Protection Act was viewed as a tremendous victory by dog advocate groups and dog lovers alike, and it provided a model for other states to follow. The bill was sponsored by Representatives Lois Court and Don Coram, and Senators David Balmer and Lucia Guzman.

Shelter Pets Become Colorado's Official State Pets

Another important piece of legislation that Governor Hickenlooper signed in 2013 is a bill that designates shelter and rescue dogs and cats as the official pets of the state of Colorado (Senate Bill 13-201). This bill was introduced by students at Peakview School in Walsenburg, Colorado. The bill not only taught the students about the legislative process but also put a spotlight on shelter pets — encouraging adoption over purchasing from breeders or pet stores.

Colorado Continues to Lead: Major Dog-Friendly Laws Since 2013

Colorado didn't stop there. In the years since the Dog Protection Act, our state has continued to pass groundbreaking legislation that makes Colorado one of the most dog-friendly states in the country. Here are the most significant developments:

• Denver Pit Bull Ban Repealed (2020) — In November 2020, Denver voters overwhelmingly passed a ballot measure to repeal the city's 31-year-old pit bull ban with a 66% majority. The ban had made it illegal to own pit bulls within city limits since 1989. The repeal replaced the outright ban with a breed-restricted licensing program, allowing responsible pit bull owners to keep their dogs in Denver.
• Aurora Pit Bull Ban Lifted (2024) — Following Denver's lead, Aurora voters approved the removal of their city's long-standing pit bull ban in November 2024. This marked the end of one of the last remaining breed-specific bans along the Front Range, signaling a broader shift toward evaluating dogs as individuals rather than by breed.
• Pet-Inclusive Housing Law (2025) — In May 2025, Governor Jared Polis signed House Bill 25-1207, which addresses the barriers pet owners face when trying to find housing. The law caps pet deposits at $300, limits monthly pet rent to $35 (or 1.5% of monthly rent, whichever is greater), and prohibits breed and weight restrictions in rental housing. This is one of the most comprehensive pet-inclusive housing laws in the nation.
• Pet Store Sales Ban (2026) — In May 2026, Governor Polis signed legislation banning pet stores from selling dogs and cats starting January 1, 2027. The law aims to reduce demand from puppy mills and commercial breeding operations, encouraging adoption from shelters and rescue organizations instead.

What This Means for Dog Owners in Colorado

• Dog Protection Act (SB 13-226) - 2013 - Requires law enforcement training on dog behavior; non-lethal methods first
• Official State Pets (SB 13-201) - 2013Designates shelter/rescue animals as official state pets
• Denver Pit Bull Ban Repeal - 2020 - Allows pit bulls in Denver with breed-restricted license.
• Aurora Pit Bull Ban Repeal - 2024 - Removes breed-specific ban in Aurora
• Pet-Inclusive Housing (HB 25-1207) - 2025 - Caps pet deposits, limits pet rent, bans breed/weight restrictions in rentals
• Pet Store Sales Ban - 2026 - Bans pet store sales of dogs and cats starting Jan 2027

Colorado has come a long way since 2013. What started with the Dog Protection Act has grown into a comprehensive framework of laws that protect dogs from unnecessary harm, end discriminatory breed bans, make housing more accessible for pet owners, and promote adoption over commercial breeding.

We Still Have Work to Do

While Colorado has made tremendous progress, challenges remain. Some smaller municipalities still maintain breed-specific restrictions, and enforcement of animal welfare laws varies across jurisdictions. But the trajectory is clear:

Colorado is committed to being a state where dogs and their owners are protected and welcomed.

We at Noble Beast Dog Training are incredibly proud of our pet-friendly state. Whether you're a new dog owner

navigating Denver's dog-friendly parks and trails, or you're working through behavioral challenges with a reactive pup,

Colorado is a great place to raise a dog — and it keeps getting better.

About Noble Beast Dog Training: Located in Denver, Colorado, Noble Beast Dog Training offers relationship-focused group classes, private training, and day programs for puppies through adult dogs.

We believe every dog deserves patient, science-based training — regardless of breed, size, or history.

Learn more about our training programs →

https://www.noblebeastdogtraining.com/services