As used in this article 42, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. (1) Abandon means the leaving of an animal without adequate provisions for the animal's proper care by its owner, the person responsible for the animal's care or custody, or any other person having possession of such animal.
2. (2) Accepted animal husbandry means practices generally recognized as appropriate in the care of animals consistent with the species, breed, and type of animal.
3. (3) Animal means any living dumb creature.
4. (3.5) Bureau means the state bureau of animal protection created in section 35-42-105.
5. (4) Commissioner means the Colorado commissioner of agriculture or the commissioner's designee.
6. (5) Companion animal means domestic dogs, domestic cats, small pet birds, and other nonlivestock species.
7. (6) Department means the Colorado department of agriculture.
8. (7) Division means the division of animal welfare of the department.
9. (8) Livestock means cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and such horses, mules, asses, and other animals used in the farm or ranch production of food, fiber, or other products defined by the commissioner as agricultural products.
10. (9) Mistreat means every act or omission which causes or unreasonably permits the continuation of unnecessary or unjustifiable pain or suffering.
11. (10) Neglect means failure to provide food, water, protection from the elements, or other care generally considered to be normal, usual, and accepted for an animal's health and well-being consistent with the species, breed, and type of animal.

Source: L. 90: Entire article R&RE, p. 1605, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2024: IP and (7) amended, (HB 24-1458), ch. 288, p. 1929, § 4, effective August 7. L. 2025: (3.5) added (SB 25-275), ch. 377, p. 2097, § 286, effective August 6; (4) amended, (HB 25-1084), ch. 24, p. 124, § 103, effective August 6.