COLORADO NEWS

Colorado lawmakers address pet overcrowding with new bill possible

Feb 2, 2024, 8:25 AM

Per report from CBS Denver, rights groups in Colorado are collaborating to address the issue of overcrowded animal shelters by proposing limitations on the sale of puppies and kittens. State lawmakers are now assisting in this effort by considering a bill to strengthen sterilization laws.

In the past, CBS News Colorado has highlighted the fact that certain rescue organizations are bypassing the existing law. These “retail rescues” or puppy flippers bring in thousands of puppies from out of state each year. Due to a legal loophole, they are able to sell these animals immediately upon arrival, without having them spayed or neutered.

While the current law prohibits shelters and rescues from selling or releasing unsterilized dogs and cats, there are exceptions. The Commissioner of Agriculture can waive sterilization requirements in areas with a shortage of veterinarians, and veterinarians themselves can grant exemptions if they believe it could negatively affect the animal’s health or endanger its life.

Animal rights activists argue that some unscrupulous rescues, with the collusion of veterinarians, are exploiting the “health” exemption. Elizabeth Coalson from the National Canine Rescue Group testified in support of a bill that would only allow exemptions if a veterinarian provides written confirmation that the animal’s life is truly at risk.

Under the proposed bill, facilities that import unsterilized dogs or cats would no longer be eligible for any exemptions. Coalson revealed that Colorado’s three largest rescues have brought in a staggering 25,000 puppies over the past six years. Coalson also stated, “there are estimates that for every one dog that is not spade… there are 67,000 that are born. So for the three rescues that we’re talking about, if you do the math for 2022, if only 2% of them are not sterilized that puts one to three million dogs into Colorado’s pet population.”

The Denver Dumb Friends League, having experienced a surge in unsterilized animals and unprecedented shelter occupancy, testified in favor of the bill.

Despite the absence of opposition, the bill’s future remains uncertain. Senator Larry Liston, the bill’s sponsor, informed the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee that Governor Jared Polis had issued a veto threat unless the health exemption for animals of unknown origin was reinstated.

The committee’s democratic chair suggested that if the governor had concerns about the bill, he should present his testimony. Ultimately, the committee unanimously passed the bill without any amendments.

Colorado News

Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images...

Shawn Patrick

LOOK – The Colorado Avalanche have unveiled a new logo on baseball caps

The Colorado Avalanche have basically used the same logo since they joined the NHL, and don’t worry, that’s not going anywhere, but they may be working a new one into […]

23 hours ago

Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images...

Shawn Patrick

PETA wants the next Colorado Buffaloes mascot to be… Animatronic

News came out this week that the University of Colorado’s live buffalo mascot, Ralphie VI, no longer wanted to run, so it was being retired. The new buffalo isn’t ready, […]

23 hours ago

Photo by Adam Berry/Getty Images...

Shawn Patrick

Get 100% free dental care, with no insurance around Denver on September 1st

One of my favorite things about Labor Day in Denver is the love that a local dentist shows our community. Risas Dental and Braces is once again giving back in […]

23 hours ago

Zach Top...

Shawn Patrick

Did you know Zach Top lived in Colorado for six years?

There’s no one hotter in country music right now than Zach Top, and he proved that today by releasing a new album, “Not In It For My Health,” which people […]

24 hours ago

Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images...

Shawn Patrick

Free corn offered to the public in Colorado after truck spills

I always wondered what they did with food from trucks after it spills on the highway. and after finding out, I’ve never hoped a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup truck would […]

2 days ago

Aspen/Glenwood MLS...

Shawn Patrick

LOOK – Colorado home listed for $300 million, would be the most expensive ever sold in the U.S.

We all know that homes are crazy expensive in Colorado mountain towns like Vail and Aspen, but one that’s for sale right now is the most expensive… Literally. Two California billionaires could […]

2 days ago

Colorado lawmakers address pet overcrowding with new bill possible