Colorado

Federation of Dog Clubs

The CFDC has participated in the state legislative process for the past several years.  We have opposed breed-specific and guardianship laws and laws that overly-regulate dog owners.  We have supported dangerous dog laws, and other laws that affect everyday life with dogs.  Here are some of the positions we have taken:

Breed-Specific Legislation

CFDC supports dangerous dog regulation which prohibits breed specific laws in Colorado.  Instead of holding all dog owners accountable for their dog’s behavior, breed specific laws penalize only the owners of certain breeds of dogs regardless of the individual dog’s behavior.  We believe communities must establish well-defined procedures when dealing with dogs proven to be dangerous.  Leash laws, public education, and strong enforcement are positive ways to protect the community from dangerous dogs; deeds, not breeds should be addressed . 

Strict Liability for Dogs

Black’s Law Dictionary defines strict liability as: “Does not depend on actual negligence or intent to harm, but is based on the breach of an absolute duty to make something safe.  Strict liability most often applies to ultra-hazardous activities or product liability cases.” This language would imply that all dogs are “hazardous” or “dangerous”.  The language disallows most any defense.  Given that most dog owners are responsible, and the vast majority of dogs are a benefit to mankind, this is a blanket condemnation that we oppose.

Canine Good Citizen

The CFDC worked with the Delta Society to encourage the Colorado legislature to recognize responsible dog ownership through the AKC's Canine Good Citizen Program. 


SMU Law Review
Winter 2007

A DUBIOUS GRAIL: SEEKING TORT LAW EXPANSION AND LIMITED PERSONHOOD AS
STEPPING STONES TOWARD ABOLISHING ANIMALS' PROPERTY STATUS

Richard L. Cupp Jr

SOME grails are sought one piece at a time. The holy grail for many
animal rights activists is abolishing animals' property status. This
is an ambition befitting mythical grail status in its level of
difficulty given current societal mores and values. It is too
inconsistent with our strongly rooted societal paradigm to afford any
hope of realization in the near future. Thus, rather than expecting to
capture the grail in the short term, many animal rights legal
advocates are seeking more manageable steps that may someday lead to
the elimination or modification of property status. This Article
critiques such efforts ... http://www.nabr.org/AnimalLaw/Articles/RichardCupp_ADubiousGrail.pdf