The Denver Animal Shelter found homes for 100 pit bulls in 2021, enough to make the newly legalized dogs the second-most adopted breed at the shelter.
Last year marked the first time in more than 30 years that the shelter was able to adopt pit bulls out after voters decided to effectively overturn the city's ban on the breeds. Gumdrop, renamed Odin by his family, was the first pit bull adopted out by the city last January.
The American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, and Staffordshire bull terrier are classified as pit bulls under city law. Owners still need to get these dogs registered with the city in order for them to be lawfully kept.
Chihuahuas were the most-adopted pooches, with 115 adopted out by the shelter, according to information provided by city spokesperson Tammy Vigil. In all, the Denver Animal Shelter adopted out 854 dogs last year. Labrador retrievers (85), Siberian huskies (83) and German shepherds (55) rounded out the top five most-adopted breeds at the shelter.
Vigil said the agency will be sending out renewal letters for people registering their pit bulls. Their registration has to be renewed annually for three years, and if the dogs don't record a violation during that timespan, they are allowed to register like any other dog (reminder: all dogs are supposed to be licensed with the city).
If you're interested in adopting, the shelter's website has lots of cute photos of all the furry companions ready for a home.
