It’s official: You’ll get to decide whether to legalize pit bulls

A measure that will appear on the November ballot would create a special permit for pits.
1 min. read
Carmen, the pit bull/lab mix, lives in Golden with her human, Barbara Bronon, where she doesn’t worry much about Denver’s breed restrictions. Aug. 12, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Denver's pit bull ban could be neutered by voters after City Council unanimously decided Monday to put a measure creating a permit system for the dogs on the November ballot.

The measure wouldn't overturn the city's pit bull ban outright, instead creating a system that would let pits register with the city.

Pit bull owners would have to register their dogs by paying a fee and providing the city with an emergency contact, a description of the dog and proof of vaccination. It would place a limit of two dogs per household. If the dog doesn't have any violations for 36 consecutive months, it would be allowed to register in the city like any other dog. The law would take effect in January if voters pass it.

The City Council voted in February to approve the measure, but Mayor Michael Hancock vetoed it, the first of his career as mayor.

Breeds defined as pit bulls under the city's existing breed ban, in place since 1989, include the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeds.

During its Monday meeting, Aurora City Council decided against sending the same question to that city's voters.

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