HB 25-1180

House Bill 25-1180, which has been signed into law in Colorado, stops people and businesses from selling or giving away pets in public areas like streets, parks, or parking lots. This rule doesn't apply to licensed pet stores, livestock sales, or those transporting animals to events. The law allows local governments to create their own rules about pet transfers in public spaces if they want to. Violating this new law can result in criminal charges.

Official Summary

The act prohibits an individual or entity from selling, offering or advertising for sale or adoption, bartering, or giving away a pet animal that, at the time of transfer, is physically located at or on any public street, highway, right-of-way, parkway, median strip, park, recreation area, outdoor market, parking lot, or other public space. Pet animal facilities licensed under the "Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act" are exempted from the prohibition, as are sales of livestock. In addition, pet animal owners, breeders, handlers, or trainers are exempted while transporting a pet animal to or from or exhibiting or competing at an event that is licensed, regulated, or sanctioned by a nationally recognized registering organization. The act also exempts hunting dogs that are bred or trained for lawful hunting. The act clarifies that nothing precludes a statutory or home rule town, city, county, or city and county from regulating the transfer of pet animals in public spaces. An individual or entity that violates the prohibition commits a class 2 misdemeanor. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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