The bill would benefit animals and animal caregivers in Colorado by extending a financial bonding law to include animal fighting. Shelters statewide would not be overburdened by heavy expenses for holding suspect fighting dogs for long periods of time. The bill places the financial burden on persons performing the crime as local jurisdictions historically have been overloaded by these costs. The bill also provides guidance for courts on returning animals to convicted persons.
Many judges are reluctant to order forfeiture without specific direction in statute.
Furthermore, abused animals are routinely returned to the abusers, placing them at risk of more serious harm. The law would assist in reducing the high incidences of recidivism. Although the bill does not prevent abusers from obtaining animals in the future, after an imposed probationary period, it would put people on notice who violate the law. The Colorado Senate will soon debate this legislation. You can leave a message on your Senate or House member s voicemail, with an assistant, or send an email or fax.