Colorado § 12-315-115 - Abandonment of animals - definition.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 12-315-115 — Abandonment of animals - definition., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-315-115. Abandonment of animals - definition.
(1) An animal placed in the custody of a licensed veterinarian for treatment, boarding, or other care that is unclaimed by its owner or the owner's agent for more than ten days after written notice, by certified mail, return receipt requested, is given to the addressee at the last-known address is deemed to be abandoned and may be turned over to the nearest animal shelter or disposed of in a manner deemed appropriate by the custodian.
(2) The giving of notice to the owner, or the agent of the owner, of the animal by the licensed veterinarian, as provided in subsection (1) of this section, shall relieve the licensed veterinarian and any custodian to whom the animal may be given of any further liability for disposal. The procedure by the licensed veterinarian shall not constitute grounds for disciplining procedure under this part 1.
(3) As used in this section, the term "abandoned" means to forsake entirely, or to neglect or refuse to provide or perform the legal obligations for care and support of an animal by its owner or the owner's agent. Abandonment constitutes the relinquishment of all rights and claims by the owner to the animal.
Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1633, § 1, effective October 1. L. 2022: Entire section amended, (HB 22-1235), ch. 442, p. 3106, § 16, effective August 10.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 12-64-115 as it existed prior to 2019.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 12-315-115
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 12-315-115 cover?
Section 12-315-115 ("Abandonment of animals - definition.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 12-315-115?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 12-315-115" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 12-315-115 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.