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House amends dangerous‑dog law to remove exemption for serious‑injury incidents
Summary
House Bill 10‑34 passed to remove a profession‑based exemption so animals that cause serious bodily injury are placed on the dangerous‑dog list regardless of whether the injury occurred while handled by certain professionals.
The House passed House Bill 10‑34 to amend Colorado’s dangerous‑dog statute so that animals that cause serious bodily injury are not exempted from dangerous‑dog lists when the injury occurs while the animal is handled by certain animal professionals.
Representative McCormick explained the change, saying the current statute exempts veterinary staff, groomers, animal‑welfare professionals, animal control agents, dog handlers and trainers from automatic placement on a dangerous‑dog list when injuries occur in the course of those professionals’ work. The bill removes the exemption for "serious bodily injury," defined on the floor as events that create substantial risk of death, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of function. "This is really a problem where this animal has gotten through all the defenses of the experts that are handling animals and still caused serious bodily injury," McCormick said, and urged a yes vote as a public‑safety measure.
Representative Garcia Sander noted victim testimony and sheriff support from northern counties. The floor adopted the bill by voice vote as recorded in the transcript.
