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The mission of The Division of Animal Welfare (DAW )is to advance the overall welfare of companion animals and livestock by enforcing animal welfare laws and regulations established by the Animal Protection Act, the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act, and other animal welfare laws established in State statute. The division currently comprises the Bureau of Animal Protection (BAP) and Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA) programs. The division’s mission is primarily regulatory, focusing on conducting inspections and investigations into allegations of animal cruelty, mistreatment, neglect, and noncompliance with pet care facility requirements. The division initiates appropriate enforcement action when a violation can be substantiated. The division commissions over 100 qualified BAP agents and licenses and regulates over 2,000 businesses that fall under the authority of PACFA. Division staff, as well as commissioned BAP agents, assist law enforcement agencies in addressing complaints of animal cruelty, mistreatment, and neglect by assisting with criminal investigations. In addition, the division provides proactive outreach and education that helps livestock producers and hobbyists, pet owners, and pet facilities in preventing animal mistreatment and improve animal welfare in Colorado, including the implementation of a new equine welfare grant program.