CPW reminds pet owners: Don't Turn It Loose
Kara Van Hoose
July 15, 2024
CPW reminds pet owners: Don’t Turn It Loose
DENVER, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding residents to not release unwanted pets into the wild, as it is illegal and unethical. Domesticated animals are often not able to fend for themselves to find food or shelter. Regardless if the species is native to Colorado or non-native, unleashing it into the wild can introduce new diseases, parasites and competition for wild species.
CPW suspects the exotic Patagonian Mara recently spotted in a Lakewood city park is an abandoned domesticated pet. This species is illegal to own as a pet in Colorado. Only licensed facilities may possess them in the state. CPW is continuing the search for the Patagonian Mara in hopes of placing it with an appropriate institution for long-term care. Please quickly report sightings to 303-291-7227.
Unwanted pets may be surrendered to an animal shelter or by contacting a local animal control agency for ideas. For exotic wildlife, contact a local CPW office. Prospective owners should know which species are legal to own in Colorado by checking with their local authorities.
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Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.