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Animal Control & Code Enforcement
The primary function of the Greenwood Village Animal Control/Code Enforcement Unit is to enforce the City's wildlife and domestic animal regulations and parking violations. The Unit works closely with the Greenwood Village Neighborhood Services Officer to also seek compliance with zoning and nuisance violations.
A Code Enforcement Officer is available 7 days per week to address animal complaints and questions, including issues of animals disturbing the peace, animals at-large, animal bites, animal neglect and cruelty, and all other issues addressed by Greenwood Village's animal code. Code Enforcement Officers will also respond to parking and some nuisance violations.
If you have lost or found a pet, call 303-773-2525 and file a report with the Police Department. For emergencies, please call 9-1-1.
For non-emergency requests, you can email Animal Control/Code Enforcement.
Lost or Found pets can also be reported to The Denver Dumb Friends League at 303-751-5772 or the Humane Society of the South Platte Valley at 303-703-2938 to ensure greater success in locating or returning pets.
Breed Restrictions and Dog Licensing
There are no restrictions on dog breeds within the City of Greenwood Village.
Greenwood Village does not require citizens to register their dogs; however, it is required to keep a current Rabies tag on their collar at all times, in case the pet is lost. Every owner of a dog or cat, three (3) months of age or older shall have evidence of current rabies vaccination, per Colorado Health Department guidelines.
Lease Laws and Pet Waste
Leash Laws
Leashes are required for all dogs in Greenwood Village parks and in all public areas to ensure the safety of persons, other animals, and dogs. More information can be found in "A Guide to Your Dog's Safety and Being A Good Dog Owner" brochure.
The Village has an ordinance regarding animals running at large:
Section 7-8-90 - Running at large:
(a)
No person owning or keeping any animal, other than a domesticated cat, shall fail to keep said animal on the premises of the owner or keeper unless the animal is:
(1)
On a leash held by a person who is physically able to control the animal; or
(2)
Within a vehicle or similarly physically confined and without access to passers-by.
(b)
Animals running at large may be taken into custody by code enforcement officers and impounded for a period of not less than five (5) days following the date of impoundment. Any impounded animal which is not claimed within said five-day period may be disposed of by adoption, donation or euthanasia at the discretion of a code enforcement officer. The owner shall be responsible for the payment of impoundment fees and reasonable and necessary medical expenses incurred during impoundment.
c)
This section shall not apply to any dog used by a peace officer while engaged in the performance of his or her official duties or any dog used by the city to manage or control geese. (Prior code 6.04.090; Ord. 32, §1, 2011; Ord. 05 , § 2, 2018)
Pet Waste
The Village has an ordinance regarding the removal of dog feces.
Section 7-8-230 - Removal of dog and cat feces:
(a)
When any dog or cat defecates on any property other than the property of the owner, including common areas, it is the duty of the owner to immediately remove and properly dispose of the dog or cat feces.
(b)
It is unlawful for any person to allow the accumulation of dog or cat feces on any property owned, occupied or controlled by such person if such accumulation creates an unsanitary, offensive or unhealthy condition.
(c)
It is unlawful for any person to place or leave dog or cat feces on public property or on the property of another or to dispose of such feces in any manner other than by deposit in a toilet or a covered container normally used for refuse. (Ord. 16 §1, 2009; Ord. 32, §1, 2011)
Living with Wildlife
To the surprise of many, Colorado's abundant wildlife can be found in cities. In most situations, people and wildlife can coexist. The key is to respect the wildness of wildlife. Many dangerous and potentially harmful encounters occur because people fail to leave the animals alone.
Wildlife Conditions in the Village
Greenwood Village is home to an abundance of wildlife such as waterfowl, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and rabbits. Even though we may not see any wildlife during the course of our day, many native wild animals live in the Village, doing most of their travel at night when the majority of us are at rest.
From season to season, the number of predators and prey will fluctuate due to the conditions of their habitat. Predators such as coyotes will stay in their designated territories only if there is enough food to sustain them. The size of a litter depends on the availability of food in its habitat. Coyotes will prey on foxes and other small animals. These animals typically remain in a given area until its natural resources such as water availability, shelter from predators, and supply of food have been depleted or until it has been eliminated by a predator.
Some neighborhoods in the Village have noticed increases in the rabbit population and decreases in fox sightings, while other neighborhoods have seen foxes in their yards, but no signs of rabbits. The numbers and types of wildlife in a given area are a result of the type of predator that may or may not be present. The presence of wildlife will vary each season as predators arrive and/or are eliminated by competing predators in the area.
Guidelines for Wildlife Encounters
Whether you are in the comfort of your own yard, walking along the High Line Canal Trail, or having lunch at a park, make sure to follow these guidelines as you admire wildlife right here in Greenwood Village.
- Please do not feed wildlife.
- Discourage others from feeding wildlife
- Do not touch young wild animals. An animal that appears orphaned will often have its mother nearby.
- Teach children not to feed, play with, or pet wild animals.
- Secure trash containers to prevent wildlife access.
- If you encounter an aggressive wild animal such as a coyote or raccoon, please call 9-1-1.
Click on these tips for more information on wildlife:
Coyotes in Greenwood Village Make your own wildlife repellents. State wildlife laws you should know.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
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