Can You Use Deadly Force to Protect Livestock in Colorado?
Can You Use Deadly Force to Protect Livestock in Colorado?
Short answer: You cannot legally use deadly force against a person just to protect livestock or property in Colorado.
Colorado’s deadly force laws are crystal clear: deadly force is only justified when you reasonably believe it is necessary to stop imminent death or serious bodily harm to yourself or someone else. (C.R.S. § 18-1-704)
Livestock, property, vehicles, barns, gates — none of those justify shooting a human being just because they are stealing or damaging them. That falls under “defense of property,” and Colorado law does not allow deadly force for property alone. (C.R.S. § 18-1-706)
So where does the myth come from? Colorado deadly force to protect livestock
There is a section of law that allows using lethal force against wild animals or dogs actively attacking livestock. (C.R.S. § 33-3-106)
- If a predator is actively attacking your livestock, you may kill the animal to stop the attack.
- This law applies to certain wildlife situations — not people.
This is where people get confused. The allowance applies to animals attacking livestock, not humans stealing them.
If a person is stealing livestock
Yes, livestock theft is a felony in Colorado. (C.R.S. § 35-43-128)
But no, you still cannot shoot them unless they become a lethal threat to you or another person.
- You may use reasonable, non-deadly force to stop the theft.
- Call the sheriff. Document. Get plate numbers. Preserve evidence.
- Don’t shoot somebody over property. That’s how people go to prison.
Bottom Line (tell it like it is): Colorado deadly force to protect livestock
You can shoot a predator attacking your livestock.
You cannot shoot a human stealing your livestock — unless they are trying to kill or seriously injure you.
Property is replaceable. Your freedom isn’t.
Want to learn Colorado self-defense law the right way?
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