Denver Breed Ban Relaxed

Denver’s breed ban might be relaxed. This means, it will still be illegal to own a pit bull in Denver, however, by following a few new rules, you can legally keep your pit bull in Denver.

The new legislation requires a license for your pit bull. To get the license, you have to register your dog with Denver Animal Protection (also known as: Denver Animal Control). You also have to provide the name and home address of the dog, plus two emergency contacts, an accurate description of the dog and proof that the animal was micro-chipped and had received an up-to-date rabies vaccination. Your pit bull would be on probation for 36 months. If there were no violations — including attacks on other dogs or people — the dog would not need to have the special license any further.

The current proposed legislation does not specifically spell out what the penalties are for violating this new law, however, I have no reason to believe that the current penalties for owning a pit bull would apply to owning a pit bull without a license. Those penalties currently include seizure and forfeiture of your dog!

As always, it is best to follow the law to make sure you and your pit bull are safe and happy. However, if you ever find yourself on the wrong side of the law, please call our experienced animal attorneys at 303-623-4000 to see how we can help you fight to keep your dog!