Voters in Denver have overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure that repeals the city’s 30-year breed ban.
Ballot Proposal 2J, which was approved by an almost two-thirds margin, replaces the current ban on “pit bulls” with a new law that would allow residents to keep these dogs, with certain regulations.
As outlined in a previous AKC alert, the new regulations would include a permit that allows up to two “pit bulls” per household and home inspections. The permit could be removed after 36 months with no incidents.
The AKC does not support breed-specific laws. Instead, we support measures that hold all dog owners accountable, regardless of breed. General dangerous dog and animal control laws are better at protecting community safety, a better use of city resources, and more effective at protecting the rights of responsible dog owners.
AKC is pleased that the 30-year breed ban has been repealed. We hope that this is a first step to someday completely removing breed-specific policies from city law.
Read AKC’s blog for more information on the ballot measure, AKC’s position on breed-specific legislation, and background on the city’s breed-specific law.
For questions or more information, contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org.