Colorado Revised Statutes Title 12. Professions and Occupations § 12-315-115. Abandonment of animals--definition

(1) An animal placed in the custody of a licensed veterinarian for treatment, boarding, or other care that is unclaimed by its owner or the owner's agent for more than ten days after written notice, by certified mail, return receipt requested, is given to the addressee at the last-known address is deemed to be abandoned and may be turned over to the nearest animal shelter or disposed of in a manner deemed appropriate by the custodian.

(2) The giving of notice to the owner, or the agent of the owner, of the animal by the licensed veterinarian, as provided in subsection (1) of this section, shall relieve the licensed veterinarian and any custodian to whom the animal may be given of any further liability for disposal. The procedure by the licensed veterinarian shall not constitute grounds for disciplining procedure under this part 1.

(3) As used in this section, the term “abandoned” means to forsake entirely, or to neglect or refuse to provide or perform the legal obligations for care and support of an animal by its owner or the owner's agent. Abandonment constitutes the relinquishment of all rights and claims by the owner to the animal.