Denver Ban Pit Bulls What You Need to Know

Denver has a long history of regulating pit bulls, with the city's first breed-specific legislation (BSL) enacted in 2005. This law prohibited the ownership of pit bulls in the city.

The initial ban was sparked by a series of high-profile dog attacks in the early 2000s, including one that resulted in the death of a 3-year-old boy.

Pit bulls were defined as American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers under the original law.

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The City of Denver has a long-standing ban on pit bulls, which was first enacted in 1989. This ban prohibits the ownership or keeping of any pit bull within city limits, with some exceptions.

If you're a pit bull owner in Denver, you're required to keep your dog confined inside or in a secure enclosure at all times. You must also post pit bull signs at all entrances to your property. Failure to comply can result in the immediate impoundment of your dog.

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The ban has been in place for over 30 years, and attempts to lift it have so far been unsuccessful. In 2020, Mayor Michael B. Hancock vetoed a measure to appeal the law, citing concerns about public safety.

Here are some Colorado cities that ban pit bulls:

If you're planning to move to Denver or another city with a pit bull ban, it's essential to know the law to avoid fines, impoundment, or other penalties.

Denver has a complex history with pit bulls, dating back to the late 1980s. The city's first pit bull ban was enacted in 1989, following a series of high-profile attacks.

The ban was initially intended to be a temporary measure, but it remained in place for over 20 years. Pit bull owners were required to register their dogs and obtain liability insurance.

Denver's pit bull ban was not without controversy, with many arguing that it unfairly targeted a specific breed. In 2005, the city's mayor at the time, John Hickenlooper, proposed a revised ordinance that would have allowed pit bulls to be kept as pets if they met certain criteria.

However, the proposal was met with opposition from some city council members and the public, and it ultimately failed to pass. The ban remained in place until it was repealed in 2012.

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Denver's pit bull ban has been a topic of discussion, with a recent study highlighting its impact on the city's animal welfare system. The study refers to this phenomenon as the "bad neighbor effect", where nearby shelters partner with Denver Animal Protection to take in pit bulls, adding pressure to the state's sheltering system.

The study suggests that alternative options, such as a registration system for pit bulls, could help alleviate this issue. This system would allow pit-bull type dogs in Denver, if the owner allows the city to track health and safety metrics, including vaccinations, microchipping and incidents.

Some Colorado cities have already repealed their dog breed bans, but Aurora has reinstated its pit bull ban, forbidding residents from owning the breed. In fact, a table of Colorado cities with breed bans reveals that several cities have restrictions on owning pit bulls, including Aurora, Commerce City, Denver, Fort Lupton, and Louisville.

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If you're thinking of getting a pit bull or already own one, it's essential to know the laws in your city or any city you plan to move to. Several Colorado cities have breed restrictive ordinances against pit bulls.

Aurora, Commerce City, Lone Tree, Louisville, Fort Lupton, and Simla have all banned pit bulls. This means owning a pit bull in these cities can result in fines, impoundment, or other penalties.

If you're considering moving to one of these cities, be sure to research the specific laws and regulations. Some cities also ban other dog breeds, such as wolf-dog hybrid breeds in Louisville and Broomfield, and fighting dog breeds in Lone Tree.

Here's a list of cities that ban pit bulls in Colorado:

Keep in mind that owning a prohibited dog may result in impoundment and placing your dog in a shelter. The owner then must choose to surrender the pet or move to another city without a restrictive ordinance.

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In 2021, the ban on pit bulls was lifted in Denver, Colorado, allowing citizens to own a pit bull under specific requirements and procedures.

To own a pit bull in Denver, you'll need to schedule a restricted-breed assessment appointment at the Denver Animal Shelter, which costs $25 per dog and is non-refundable.

You'll also need to apply for a Breed-Restricted Permit, providing information such as your dog's breed, age, and vaccination history.

The permit fee is $30 per animal, and it must be renewed annually for three years at $30 per animal per year.

If you're planning to move to a different city in Colorado, it's essential to know the breed-specific legislation in your new location.

Currently, several cities in Colorado ban pit bulls, including Aurora, Commerce City, and Fort Lupton.

Some cities, like Louisville, ban wolf-dog hybrid breeds, while Lone Tree bans fighting dog breeds, including pit bulls.

Here's a list of Colorado cities that ban pit bulls:

Denver initially banned pit bulls in 1989 due to concerns about public safety, but the ban was overturned by voters in 2020.

The new ordinance allows pit bulls in the city under specific conditions, including obtaining a Breed-Restricted Permit.

Denver is not alone in its breed-specific legislation; several other cities in Colorado have similar laws in place.

As of 2020, the following cities in Colorado have breed-specific legislation:

If you experience a pit bull attack in Denver, Colorado law holds dog owners strictly liable for your injuries, regardless of the dog's history or the owner's negligence.

Colorado law limits dog owners' liability to economic damages, which can include compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost income, and mental health expenses.

You can only pursue economic damages through a strict liability claim, but if you need additional compensation, you must file a standard negligence claim against the dog's owner.

If you're a dog owner in Denver, it's essential to understand the potential consequences of a pit bull attack. If your dog bites someone, you could be held strictly liable for their injuries.

Here are the types of economic damages you may be eligible for through a strict liability claim:

In Denver, Colorado, pit bull owners are strictly liable for your injuries if their dog bites you, even if you had permission to be on the property. This means you don't have to prove the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner acted negligently.

If you're bitten by a pit bull in Denver, you can pursue economic damages, which include compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost income, and mental health expenses. These damages can add up quickly, so it's essential to keep track of your expenses.

You can only pursue economic damages through a strict liability claim in Colorado. This is a specific type of claim that focuses on the financial impact of the dog bite injury.

If you need additional compensation, you'll need to file a standard negligence claim against the dog's owner. This type of claim requires proof that the dog's owner acted negligently, which can be a more complex and time-consuming process.

Here are some examples of economic damages you can pursue through a strict liability claim:

Keep in mind that Colorado law limits the types of damages you can pursue through a strict liability claim. If you need compensation for non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, you'll need to file a separate claim.

If you've been bitten by a dog, your first priority is to get proper medical care. This will be crucial if you decide to file a lawsuit seeking compensation based on the dog owner's negligence.

Your medical records will be important in case you need to file a lawsuit.

It's essential to document the incident that led to the injury while your memory is fresh. This will help you remember the events accurately.

Contact a dog bite injury lawyer as soon as possible to investigate and preserve your potential claims. A lawyer who specializes in dog bite claims can also advise you of your rights and legal options.

The animal owner's homeowner's insurance policy usually covers dog bite claims, so you can seek compensation without damaging your relationship with the owner.