A Westminster couple is staring down thousands of dollars in veterinary bills after their dog was badly hurt in an attack earlier this month, turning a frightening incident into a financial gut punch.
Emergency treatment and ongoing care for the seriously injured dog have already added up to “thousands” in charges, the owners told FOX31 Denver. The station’s video report shows the animal in recovery while the couple explains how quickly the bills began to pile up.
Reporting the Attack and Local Rules
In Westminster, an animal bite that breaks the skin is not just a personal nightmare, it is a reportable incident. City rules require anyone in that situation to contact Westminster Animal Management or the Colorado Department of Public Health.
According to Westminster Animal Management, a report can trigger inspections, veterinary exams and a formal review to decide whether a dog should be classified as potentially dangerous. The city also outlines quarantine procedures, evaluation steps and possible enforcement actions once an incident is on the books.
State Law and Liability
Colorado has tightened its dangerous-dog statute in recent years, broadening the kinds of incidents that can lead to criminal penalties and extra oversight. As noted by the Colorado General Assembly, the changes are focused on public safety when dogs cause serious harm…