Colorado § 18-9-209 - Immunity for reporting cruelty to animals - false report - penalty.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-9-209 — Immunity for reporting cruelty to animals - false report - penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18-9-209. Immunity for reporting cruelty to animals - false report - penalty.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2) of this section, a person who, in good faith, reports a suspected incident of cruelty to animals, service animals, or certified police working dogs or police working horses, as described in section 18-9-202, to a local law enforcement agency or to the state bureau of animal protection is immune from civil liability for reporting the incident.
(2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to a person who knowingly makes a false report of animal cruelty.
(3) A person who knowingly makes a false report of animal cruelty to a local law enforcement agency or to the state bureau of animal protection commits a civil infraction.
Source: L. 2005: Entire section added, p. 355, § 2, effective July 1. L. 2016: (1) amended, (HB 16-1348), ch. 236, p. 954, § 3, effective June 6. L. 2018: (1) amended, (HB 18-1041), ch. 19, p. 267, § 3, effective March 7. L. 2019: (1) amended, (HB 19-1180), ch. 75, p. 277, § 3, effective April 4. L. 2021: (3) amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3206, § 328, effective March 1, 2022.
Cross references: For the legislative declaration contained in the 2005 act enacting this section, see section 1 of chapter 102, Session Laws of Colorado 2005.
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Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 18-9-209
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-9-209 cover?
Section 18-9-209 ("Immunity for reporting cruelty to animals - false report - penalty.") 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 § 18-9-209?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-9-209" (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 § 18-9-209 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.