Colorado § 13-21-104 - Damages for using animal left for keeping.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-104 — Damages for using animal left for keeping., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 13-21-104. Damages for using animal left for keeping.
If any person keeping a public ranch or stable uses or allows to be used, without the consent of the owner, any horse, ox, mule, or ass that may have been left with him to be ranched or fed, he shall forfeit to the owner all ranch or stable fees that may be due upon such animal used and the additional sum of five dollars for each day such animal has been used, to be collected in the same manner as other debts.
Source: R.S. p. 234, § 175. G.L. § 775. G.S. § 1035. R.S. 08: § 2069. C.L. § 6309. CSA: C. 50, § 8. CRS 53: § 41-2-4. C.R.S. 1963: § 41-2-4.
ANNOTATION
Law reviews. For article, "Measuring Damages for Tortious Injury to Companion Animals", see 42 Colo. Law. 21 (Feb. 2013).
This section evidently aims at people who keep public places. Its specific language is "a public ranch or stable". This language can only be taken as intended by the general assembly to apply to those who keep stables or ranches for general use, and take, the contract being otherwise acceptable, whatever stock may be offered and by whomsoever it may be offered, so long as the parties are unobjectionable and willing to pay. Manifestly, it does not include all ranchmen nor all stable keepers. Harper v. Lockhart, 9 Colo. App. 430, 48 P. 901 (1897).
A keeper who has used some of the animals entrusted to him may nevertheless retain a lien upon those not used. Harper v. Lockart, 9 Colo. App. 430, 43 P. 901 (1897).
Burden of proving reduction in amount of lien is on plaintiff in replevin. A plaintiff in replevin, to recover animals from an agister, who desires to rely on the provision of this section, is bound to state the number of animals used, and to offer his proof for the definite purpose of reducing the amount of the lien which the defendant would be entitled to insist on. Harper v. Lockhart, 9 Colo. App. 430, 48 P. 901 (1897).
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 13-21-104
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-104 cover?
Section 13-21-104 ("Damages for using animal left for keeping.") 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 § 13-21-104?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-104" (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 § 13-21-104 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.