Denver park rangers issued 686 tickets for off-leash dogs from January through October 2025, making it the most common citation in the city’s parks behind parking violations. That number only tells part of the story. According to the Insurance Information Institute, U.S. insurers paid out $1.86 billion in dog-related injury claims in 2025, with the number of claims rising more than 25 percent in one year. Nationally, the cost of dog bite injuries has climbed nearly 97 percent over the past decade.
As off-leash culture becomes more common across Colorado’s parks and trails, the broader picture becomes harder to ignore: more dogs are running loose, and more people are getting hurt. Most dog owners involved are well-meaning people who believe their pet won’t cause harm. And often, they’re right. But when they’re wrong, the consequences can be severe, and often the people on the receiving end don’t know their rights or where to turn.
Colorado’s Leash Laws Are More Local Than Most People Realize
Unlike some states, Colorado doesn’t have a universal leash law. Regulations are set by each city, which can be confusing for both residents and visitors. In Denver, the municipal code prohibits dogs from running at large and requires them to be leashed in public spaces. Off-leash access is permitted only in fenced dog parks, and owners must leash their dogs when entering or exiting those areas. Fines for violations can range from $100 to $999 for repeat offenses.
Because of the patchwork nature of these laws, a dog owner in one area may have a different understanding of the rules than someone a few miles away.
When an Injury Happens, Colorado Law Is Clear
Under Colorado’s dog bite statute, owners are strictly liable for serious bite injuries. This standard applies even if the dog has no history of aggression and the owner had no reason to expect the bite. If the injury involves broken bones, permanent disfigurement, organ damage, or poses a risk of death, the owner is legally responsible…