08/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/26/2024 12:09
On July 22, 2024, the Aurora City Council passed a resolution adding a measure to the November 2024 ballot on whether to allow pit bulls in the city.
The question on the November ballot will read:
"Shall the people of Aurora, Colorado agree that the restricted breed ban in the City of Aurora Code be repealed thereby allowing Aurora citizens to own American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs within the city limits of Aurora, Colorado with the owners being subject to the requirements of the City Code, including Section 14-7 concerning keeping aggressive, potentially dangerous, or dangerous animals, that applies to all dogs?"
The decision follows an 18th Judicial District Court ruling that only Aurora voters (and not Aurora City Council) could overturn the city's 2005 ban. Prior to this ruling, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs had been allowed in the city of Aurora since February 2021.
Pending an appeal of the court ruling and the November referendum, city policy currently allows residents to adopt and own American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs inside city limits.
History of Aurora's pit-bull ban at a glance:
Learn more about Aurora's 2024 election.