Animal Ordinance Updates

As a home rule municipality, the Town of Castle Rock has its own set of laws and codes. Following two open houses, written public feedback and three Town Council public hearings, Council officially approved staff's recommended changes to the Town Code related to animals.

Here are the highlights:

Former Animal Code New Animal Code effective June 1, 2018
Barking Dogs:
Allowed 5 minutes of barking – evidence required to issue a summons to the dog owner was unclear.

Barking Dogs:
Now called “Noisy Dogs” allows for up to 10 minutes of barking in a consecutive period. A summons may be issued to the dog owner if two or more households sign a complaint or, if video of a violation is presented and a written warning has already been given.
Bees:
Were permitted but were positioned under the Zoning Department.

 Bees:
Moved requirements to the Animal Code, and updated keeping guidelines. Which
can be found on Castle Rock Municipal Code.
Chickens:
Were permitted but the quantity was limited by the maximum of six animals requirement. No provisions for care.

Chickens/Ducks:
Up to eight chickens/ducks cumulative total per premise up to 2 acres; 12 allowed on a premise greater than 2 acres) permitted with care guidelines identified. Roosters prohibited.
Number of Animals Allowed:
Maximum of three dogs, maximum of five cats, with a total not to exceed six animals.

Number of Animals Allowed:
Maximum of three dogs, maximum of five cats, maximum of eight chickens or ducks, maximum one pig, if keeping goats-two goats are required. No cumulative total. Bee hives are limited per lot size.
Accumulation of Excrement:
No provision to enforce under Animal Code.

 Accumulation of Excrement:
Allows enforcement if accumulation causes unsanitary or unhealthy conditions

Breed Restrictions:
Prohibited dogs that displayed 50 percent or more distinguishing characteristics of the American Pit Bull terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Breed Restrictions:
No dogs are restricted based on their appearance. Restrictions are now based on dog behavior, and are identified in a two-tiered system defining potentially 
dangerous dogs, and dangerous dogs. A dog need not bite to be determined as potentially dangerous. A potentially dangerous dog may be allowed to remain in the Town under court ordered restrictions. A dog determined to be a dangerous dog is not allowed in the Town.

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