After 31 years, Denver’s pit bull ban is finally being repealed. The law meant that residents of Denver were unable to own a dog bearing any characteristic of a pit bull as defined by the American Kennel Club or the United Kennel Club.
While the ban has been technically repealed, there will still be restrictions on those who choose to own pit bulls. As of 2021, there will be a permitting process required for individual pit bull owners and they would only be removed from this breed restrictive list after 3 years of no violations.
Mayor Hancock had vetoed the ordinance citing concerns for the safety of children. He’s commented since Measure 2J has passed saying he will honor it.
For the past three decades, pit bull owners have faced the decision to remove their pit bull from Denver or risk it being destroyed. The discrimination dogs identified as pit bulls are facing has been far reaching.
This is just one step away from the misguided breed-specific legislation that has cast a heavy shadow on so many dogs over the years.
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