Denver Just Repealed Its 30-Year Pit Bull Ban! Here’s What It Means
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Breed-specific legislation (BSL) has torn families apart and led to thousands of lovable doggos crossing the rainbow bridge for no good reason. Which is why we got *goosebumps* when our city ended its 30-year ban on pit bull breeds last night. Seriously guys, this is the best thing that’s happened to dogs since peanut butter-filled KONGs.
The Denver City Council passed a bill sponsored by District 8’s Chris Herndon in a 7-4 vote in a room full of supporters like Replace Denver BSL, a community action group that helped work on the bill. Now, that magical paper heads to Mayor Michael Hancock’s desk for one final signature.
Herndon’s update to our animal ordinance isn’t a full repeal of BSL (annoying, but keep reading). Blocky-headed angels will be allowed in the city for the first time since 1989. Dog parents with American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, or Staffordshire Bull Terriers (up to two at a time) will apply for a three-year provisional pet license, which can be exchanged for a regular pet license after three years if there are no ordinance violations.
Even though pitties’ll still be treated differently than their furiends (which you know is just plain ol’ stupid if you’ve ever been smothered by a snuggly pibble), this bill is a HUGE win for pups, families, and activists who’ve been fighting to change Sec. 8-67 of the municipal code. For more than 30 years, it has mandated that if a dog is at least 51% pit (based on looks alone, rude), it must either be forcibly removed from city limits or killed. Now they’ve got a chance to prove they’re good doggos, which basically means being their goofy, smiley, cuddly selves.
Has your family been affected by BSL? What do you think about the new ordinance? Bark at us in the comments!
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