(a) Illegal traps. It shall be unlawful to use or set, or cause to be used or set, a leghold, snare, instant kill, body-gripping trap or such other trap which can cause pain, injury or suffering for the purpose of trapping any animal, except for any mouse or rat. Traps for pest extermination must not permit suffering of the animal.

(b) Trapping permits. Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, it shall be unlawful for any person to use or set or cause to be used or set any trap, for the purpose of trapping any cat without first obtaining a permit. Such permit shall be issued by the Aurora animal services division for a specified address and period of time and shall limit and specify the type and number of traps which may be utilized. Such permit may be denied or revoked if the applicant or any member of the applicant's household has been convicted of any violation relating to cruelty or mistreatment of animals within one year preceding the date of the application for the permit, or during the term of permit. A trapping permit may be suspended by an animal protection officer, pending the outcome of the court proceeding, if the applicant or any member of the applicant's household has been issued a criminal summons and complaint for any violation relating to cruelty or mistreatment of animals.

(c) Exceptions. The requirement for a trapping permit shall not apply to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Division. No permit, as described in subsection (b) of this section, shall be required to trap any cat if such trapping is being done inside the individual's dwelling or place of business.

(d) Inspection of traps. It shall be unlawful for any person, who uses, sets, or causes to be used or set any trap which is designed to not harm the animal, to fail, refuse, or neglect to check the trap at a minimum of every 24 hours to prevent endangering the life or health of any animal which is captured by such trap.

(e) Traps discovered by the Aurora animal services division not to be in compliance with this section may be seized by the division. (Ord. No. 2020-55, § 15, 11-2-2020; Ord. No. 2001-55, § 2, 8-20-2001)