Bans on pit bulls have been a contentious issue in America for years. Many people believe such bans are necessary to protect the populace, and others think such restrictions unfairly target a breed for the actions of irresponsible owners. Beliefs aside, it’s important to understand if pit bulls are allowed in Colorado if you live in the state or plan on visiting.

Can You Own a Pit Bull in Colorado?

Like many other areas of the law, the answer to whether you can own a pit bull in Colorado is it depends. While there are no statewide prohibitions on owning the breed, it is possible for local municipalities to pass their own restrictions. Fortunately for owners of these dogs, the only city in Colorado with a current pit bull ban is Louisville. All other cities allow you to live with a pit or visit the area.

However, just because you can own a pit bull in Colorado doesn’t mean you can do so with zero restrictions. For instance, Denver requires that anyone with a pit bull within city limits obtain a Breed-Restricted Permit. This is even true for visitors, and it requires an in-person assessment by Denver Animal Protection (DAP). While this is a burden for some, it’s better than the city’s outright ban that existed prior to 2021.

What If You’re Bitten By a Pit Bull in Denver?

If you’re bitten by a pit bull in Denver, what happens next will largely depend on the circumstances of the event. However, the breed of the dog may not matter in many cases. That’s because our state says that dog owners are strictly liable for attacks when a victim suffers serious bodily injury while lawfully on public or private property.

This means that — although pit bulls are legal in Colorado — an owner can be held liable even if they didn’t act negligently. When such an attack happens in Denver, though, a new layer of complexity is added thanks to the requirement for Breed-Restricted Permit. If you’re attacked by a pit bull and the owner doesn’t have such a permit, they’ve essentially acted negligently.

This matters because strict liability is not necessary for dog bite victims to obtain compensation. Even if a serious bodily injury does not occur — although it’s very common in pit bull attacks — showing that negligence led to such an attack is grounds for a lawsuit. And since failing to obtain a permit is illegal in Denver, this might be the only evidence necessary for financial recovery.

What Should You Do After a Dog Bite Injury?

If you’ve suffered a dog bite — from a pit bull or another breed — it’s important to seek out a Denver personal injury attorney. A legal professional can help you better understand your case and the potential legal nuances that may be involved. For instance, did you know that you may be able to recover damages even if a ‘Beware of Dog’ sign was present?

This is especially the case if a dog owner violated certain laws — such as by having a pit bull in Colorado without a Breed-Restricted Permit where necessary. The most important thing to remember is that personal injury and liability laws are complex. If dog bite victims aren’t careful, they may end up paying medical expenses and other damages on their own.

Contact us today to minimize this risk and get a better understanding of your rights.