Aurora Pit Bull Ban to be Decided in November Election

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"Shall the people of Aurora, Colorado agree that the restricted breed ban in the City of Aurora Code be repealed thereby allowing Aurora citizens to own American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs within the city limits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?"

• What does a YES vote mean? You wish to repeal the restricted breed ban and allow residents to own American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs within the city limits of Aurora, Colorado.

• What does a NO vote mean? You wish to keep the breed ban restricting residents from owning American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs within the city limits of Aurora, Colorado.

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:

• 2005: Pit bull ban enacted (except in instances where the city previously had issued a license)
• 2014: Pit bull ban survives a referendum asking voters whether it should be removed.
• 2021: The Aurora City Council approves the removal of dog breed restrictions from city ordinance.
• March 2024: District Court rules that only Aurora voters (and not Aurora City Council) can overturn the city's ban.
• November 2024: Issue to be voted on by Aurora voters.

Learn more about Aurora's 2024 election.