Denver Dog Bite Reporting vs. Civil Claims: Official Sources and Limits
This page separates the public-health duty to report a dog bite in Denver from a private civil claim under Colorado law. It lists only official government sources and notes what each can and cannot do for you.
Why Reporting Is Not the Same as Filing a Claim
Denver and Colorado require certain animal bites to be reported to local animal control for public-health reasons—chiefly rabies control and quarantine. That reporting process is separate from any civil lawsuit you might bring against a dog owner for damages. Reporting does not start a court case, and filing a civil claim does not satisfy the reporting requirement.
If you have been bitten in Denver, the first practical step is to report the bite to Denver Animal Protection (DAP). The table below lists the official reporting channels and the civil-claim source.
Purpose, Source, and Contact Table
| Purpose | Official Source | Contact / How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Report a bite that occurred in Denver County (public-health requirement) | City and County of Denver – Animal Bites | Use the online Animal Bite Reporting Form or call Denver Animal Protection Dispatch at 720-913-2080. Verify the current number before use. |
| Submit the official bite report form (Denver) | City and County of Denver – Animal Bite Form | Use the official link directly. The form is for reporting, not for starting a civil claim. |
| Understand Denver’s dangerous-animal ordinances and quarantine rules | City and County of Denver – Dangerous Animal Ordinances (PDF) | Download the PDF. It explains the 10-day quarantine, potentially dangerous/dangerous classifications, and hearing rights. General inquiries: 720-913-1311; dispatch: 720-913-2080. |
| Civil claim for serious bodily injury or death from a dog bite (Colorado law) | Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 13, § 13-21-124 (2024 edition) | This is the statute that creates a civil action for economic damages. It is not a reporting channel. Read the statute carefully; it applies only to serious bodily injury or death and has specific defenses. The 2024 edition was retrieved in 2026; later amendments or current application must be checked. |
| General court information and self-help (civil cases) | Colorado Judicial Branch – Self-Help | Provides general guidance on district and county court jurisdiction, small claims, and appeals. Access may be limited by the site’s security; if the page does not load, try a different browser or contact the court directly. This is not legal advice. |
All contacts and URLs were verified (retrieved 2026-10-25). Verify current contact information before use; government numbers and pages can change.
What Each Source Can and Cannot Do
Denver Animal Protection (DAP)
Can: Receive bite reports, enforce quarantine, classify animals as potentially dangerous or dangerous, and issue permits or orders.
Cannot: File a civil lawsuit on your behalf, determine fault, or award damages. DAP’s role is public safety and animal control.
Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-124
Can: Provide a legal basis for a civil claim for economic damages if you suffered serious bodily injury or death from a dog bite while lawfully on property, subject to defenses.
Cannot: Tell you whether your specific case qualifies, calculate a deadline, or give you legal advice. Deadlines and case values are fact-sensitive.
Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help
Can: Explain court structure, small claims, and general procedures.
Cannot: Provide case-specific guidance or replace an attorney. The site may have access limitations (e.g., security blocks); if so, try again later or contact the court directly.
Practical Checklist After a Dog Bite in Denver
- Seek medical care if needed. Document the injury and treatment.
- Report the bite to Denver Animal Protection using the official form or dispatch number (720-913-2080). Do this promptly; Colorado law requires reporting within 12 hours for bites where skin is broken.
- Keep a record of the date, time, location, dog owner’s information, and any witnesses.
- If the dog is quarantined, confirm where and for how long (typically 10 days).
- If you believe you have a civil claim, review the statute and consider consulting an attorney. This site is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
- Check the Colorado Judicial Self-Help page for court procedures if you decide to file a case.
Important Limits
This page is an independent resource, not a law firm. It does not provide individual legal advice. Deadlines (such as statutes of limitation) and case values are fact-sensitive and must be verified with a qualified professional. The statute cited is the 2024 edition, retrieved in 2026; later amendments or current application must be checked. No office, lawyer, case outcome, success rate, or testimonial is implied or endorsed.
For corrections or questions about this page, email Guerin@novcog.com.
