Pet Information
Animal Complaints:
If you have an animal-related emergency, please call 9-1-1 or Animal Shelter & Services at (970) 328-3647. To file an incident report, please complete the Eagle County Citizen Incident Report. If you have pictures or supporting documents you can upload them directly to the form. Once Eagle County receives your Citizen Incident Report, the complaint will be assigned to an officer and they will begin making contacts concerning the complaint. Please be as detailed as possible including day, date and time, along with specific descriptions of the incident, dog, etc. By completing the Citizen Incident Report your name and the statements may be considered a public record and open for inspection pursuant to the Colorado Open Records Act (C.R.S. 24-72-201). Visit the Eagle County Animal Services webpage for more information.
Know the Facts:
Sec. 7-9-70. — Failure to Control a Pet Animal (Fines up to $250)
It shall be unlawful and considered a failure to control a pet animal when:
- A pet animal is off the owner's premises without the presence of a person having control as defined in this Article.
- A pet animal is allowed to become a danger to any person or property.
- A pet animal is tethered upon any public or private property without the permission of the person owning, leasing or otherwise controlling the property in question.
- Any pet animal reaches past the perimeter of the owner's premises with its teeth or claws causing or threatening bodily injury or property damage to another.
- A pet animal is allowed to defecate on public or private property and the owner or responsible person of the animal does not remove the waste in a timely manner.
- A female cat or dog, during estrus, is not under physical control, confined indoors or confined within a secure animal enclosure.
- A pet animal is not under physical control in areas posted by any agency of the federal government, the State or any political subdivision of the State as requiring the animal to be on a leash.
- Any pet animal is mistreated or is left in circumstances which constitute abandonment.
- A pet animal is allowed to enter private property not that of the owner's or on public property which is posted as not permitting such animals.
If you notice a poop bag station is empty, please call (970) 827-5645 Ext. 5, or events [at] minturn.org (email), to get it refilled!
WINTER DOG WASTE:
Winter in Minturn brings chilly temperatures, snow-covered parks, and the temptation to overlook certain responsibilities, like cleaning up after your dog. Some pet owners assume that the cold or snow will somehow take care of their pet’s waste. Unfortunately, that’s not true. Picking up pet waste during winter is just as important as during warmer months. Here’s why it matters and how you can stay on top of it in Minturn.
Out of sight isn’t out of mind
Fresh snow can easily cover up pet waste, but that doesn’t make it disappear. When the snow melts, all the waste left behind resurfaces, creating an unpleasant and unsanitary mess. Imagine walking through Minturn’s beautiful neighborhoods or parks in the spring only to find them littered with months’ worth of accumulated pet waste. Beyond being an eyesore, uncollected waste can harm the environment and spread disease.
The environmental impact is significant
In areas like Minturn, where snowmelt flows into the watershed, pet waste left on the ground can contribute to pollution. As the snow melts, bacteria and nutrients from the waste are carried into storm drains, which flow untreated into local streams and rivers. This runoff harms water quality, threatens wildlife, and contributes to algae blooms that deplete oxygen in the water, endangering aquatic ecosystems.
By picking up after your pet, you’re playing a small but vital role in protecting Minturn’s local waterways and the larger ecosystem.
Pet waste can affect public health
Contrary to popular belief, winter’s cold temperatures don’t neutralize the bacteria and parasites in pet waste. Harmful organisms like E. coli, giardia, and salmonella can survive in the cold and persist in the soil long after the snow melts. These pathogens pose health risks to humans and pets alike. Children playing in the yard, other dogs sniffing around, or even you stepping in the wrong spot can lead to exposure.
By promptly removing pet waste, you reduce the risk of spreading these harmful organisms in your neighborhood and popular Minturn outdoor spaces.
Keeping Minturn clean shows community respect
Keeping the area clean requires everyone’s effort. Failing to pick up after your dog in shared spaces not only impacts the environment but also reflects poorly on our community. By staying diligent, you’re showing respect for your neighbors and contributing to the shared enjoyment of Minturn’s public spaces.
Winter pet waste cleanup tips
Cleaning up after your dog in winter can feel more challenging, but with a little preparation, it’s manageable. Here are a few tips to make the task easier:
- Set up a waste station near your door: Keep a stash of waste bags, gloves, and a small scooper easily accessible so you’re always prepared before heading out.
- Choose bright-colored bags: These stand out against the snow, making cleanup quicker and ensuring you don’t leave anything behind.
- Stay on paths: Sticking to sidewalks or well-trodden trails can help you monitor and manage cleanup more effectively, especially during snowfalls.
- Always keep extra bags handy: Always have extra dog waste bags on you when you are out with your dog. Opt for environmentally friendly bags where possible to minimize waste and align your pet care with sustainable practices.
Make pet waste cleanup a habit year-round
Winter in Minturn may come with extra challenges, but it’s no excuse to ignore pet waste cleanup. By staying consistent, you help protect the environment, maintain the health of your community, and preserve Minturn’s natural beauty. Whether you’re strolling through neighborhood streets or visiting local parks, every small effort contributes to a cleaner and safer environment for everyone.
Taking responsibility for pet waste isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about protecting the place we call home. Let’s work together to keep Minturn’s parks, neighborhoods, and waterways healthy and beautiful, no matter the season.