Colorado Springs, CO – A proposed bill that would have mandated annual pet registration in Colorado, accompanied by steep penalties for non-compliance, has been declared dead by its sponsor, Representative Regina English, D-Colorado Springs.
Under House Bill 1163, residents would have been required to pay an $8.50 annual registration fee for each pet, encompassing a variety of animals, including fish. The bill aimed to establish an online pet registration system under the oversight of the Department of Agriculture.
Representative English, although refraining from explaining the motivation behind the proposal, confirmed the indefinite postponement of the bill. The House Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources Committee are expected to formally end the measure later this month.
Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Brighton, criticized the bill on social media, expressing concern about the financial burden on pet owners. “Some of us take our jobs seriously, and apparently some of us want you to pay $8.50-$25 EVERY YEAR to register your pet. I AM NOT MAKING THIS UP,” she stated on Twitter.
Critics, including Kristi Burton Brown, a former chair of the Colorado Republican Party, viewed the bill as a new tax on pet owners. Brown remarked, “Liberals in CO have found a new way to tax you! Own a dog, cat, rat or hamster? Great! If this bill passes, you’ll need to register your pet, pay a tax to the state for owning the pet, & choose a ‘caregiver’ to register for your pet.”
Supporters argued that pet licensing is not a novel concept, citing existing statutes that allow counties in Colorado to implement such measures. A Twitter user responded to the criticism, saying, “Only Republicans could twist this into victimization.”
According to the bill’s provisions, pet owners would be required to register their animals annually in the state’s online system, with fees ranging up to $8.50 per pet and up to $16.50 for unneutered or unspayed dogs or cats. Additionally, pet owners must designate an official “caregiver,” or face a $25 fee per pet if no caregiver is appointed.
Failure to adhere to registration policies could result in a $100 fine per animal, with the state having the authority to sue residents for non-compliance. The bill defines pets broadly, encompassing various species.
Pet ownership is prevalent in Colorado and nationwide, with Forbes estimating that over 66% of U.S. households own pets, predominantly dogs. The proposed bill would require compliance not only with state registration fees but also with fees and regulations set by local municipalities.
Revenue generated through the proposed pet registration system would be allocated to developing, implementing, and maintaining the system, as well as reimbursing animal shelters for costs incurred when taking custody of a pet in emergencies.
However, the usage of the pet registration system would be restricted to first responders and the Department of Public Health and Environment, as outlined in the bill.
