TheDenverChannel.com









Denver News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters

Aurora Considers Banning Pit Bulls

Committee To Hear From Public On Aug. 9

POSTED: 9:53 am MDT July 7, 2005

The city of Aurora may decide to ban pit bulls just like Denver did two months ago.

Charmane Watson moved from Denver to Aurora because of Denver's pit bull ban. If Aurora's ban passes, she might have to move again.

A city subcommittee on code enforcement met Wednesday to discuss a possible ban.

Pit bull owner Charmane Watson -- who just moved from Denver to Aurora so that she could keep her pit bull -- said not all pit bulls are the same.

"He's obedient. He doesn't mess with anyone. He hasn't attacked anyone or harmed anyone," said Watson.

However, some city council members fear for the safety of city residents because some consider the animals to be aggressive.

"I know there are good owners and I know there are good dogs but I'm terrified of the next kid at the elementary school who will get torn up," said City Council member Bob Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald said that he has received dozens of phone calls from residents about the dogs. More pit bulls are showing up in Aurora's animal shelters because residents with pit bulls are leaving Denver so that their dogs won't be put to death.

Two months ago, the city of Denver began enforcing its pit-bull ban after a yearlong battle with the state, which passed a law that said cities couldn't ban by breed.

The city of Denver sued and in December 2004, a Denver District court judge ruled that the state law violated Denver's home rule authority under the Colorado state constitution. The judge said that the state could not impose such limitations on Denver.

Aurora has a vicious animal ordinance that fines people when their pets bite, lunge or snap at others. However, some people don't believe that the vicious dog law does enough.

The committee meets again on Aug. 9 to review the proposed ban. They plan to hear from the public at that time.

Discuss: Are Pit Bulls Getting A Bad Rap?


Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Having trouble selling your home? These tips will make your property a hot commodity. More

Sitting at a desk all day is a one way ticket to poor fitness. Find out how you can work to stay in shape regardless of your work situation. More

Feeling bloated or uncomfortable after eating? Try these five recipes and find out why they are so good for digestion. More

Strokes affect families every day. With these strategies, you can help your parents reduce their risk and reduce your own too. More

MyReport Network

E - News Registration focus group
  My Report Network: Tell your story on 7NEWS. Sign up to be a member of our My Report Network
Sponsored Links

MyReport Network

E - News Registration focus group
  My Report Network: Tell your story on 7NEWS. Sign up to be a member of our My Report Network

Job Searching Tips

During the typical job interview, you'll be asked a lot of questions. But do you really understand what the interviewer needs to know? More