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My dog was leashed to a tree at Cheeseman Canyon yesterday, and someone who definitely saw us and knew we had a dog walked SO close to where we were, he came up quietly, and my dog got spooked and rushed after him. The guy has filed a report, and now my dog is being required to quarantine. And I’m scared this guy is going to take this further. I am just looking for guidance on what my rights are and how to best protect myself and my dog in this situation.
Aug 14, 2025
Personal Injury & Car Accidents
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Bill HenryFounding Partner | 19 years of experience
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Profile Picture of Attorney Bill Henry
Bill HenryFounding Partner 19 years of experience
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I can understand your concern, especially given the circumstances. From what you’ve described, it doesn’t sound like your dog did anything to hurt the other party. Still, it’s unfortunate that the situation has resulted in your dog’s quarantine, especially since their actions seem to have provoked the incident to begin with. 

Fortunately, the quarantine order is likely a precautionary measure. In Colorado, the Department of Public Health has the right to authorize the quarantining of dangerous animals. More likely than not, the other party reported the incident, and the agency is simply doing its due diligence. C.R.S. 25-4-709

Now, regarding the potential for legal action: Say the other party attempts a negligence claim. If you took reasonable precautions to prevent the incident from happening, for instance, by tying your dog’s leash to the tree, then the opposing party will likely have a difficult time proving negligence. 

As a dog owner, you can do everything right, and still, things will happen outside your control. Be sure to comply with the agency’s conditions for your dog’s time in quarantine. Otherwise, I wouldn’t worry too much. If the other party does attempt to take legal action, you can always book a consultation with our dangerous dog defense team. 

Good luck!

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The response provided is based on the available information and is not intended to constitute a comprehensive answer to the inquiry. The only manner to obtain complete and adequate legal advice is to consult with an attorney. Please be advised that no communication, including Q&A postings, through this website establishes an attorney-client privilege, and such exchanges do not create an attorney-client relationship and will not be treated as confidential. The information presented is general information only and should not be relied upon to take, or fail to take, legal action.
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