DENVER -- The city of Denver may soon consider an alternative for euthanizing pit bulls.

City council member Michael Hancock said he is considering legislation that would allow pit bulls to be adopted by someone outside the city, instead of putting the dogs down.

Hancock said he got the idea after 36 pit bulls were euthanized over the weekend.

The 36 pit bulls were housed at the Denver Animal Shelter after their owner was cited a second time for having a pit bull inside Denver city limits. Because it was a second offense, the shelter said they had no alternative to euthanizing all the dogs.

Hancock said he believes there should be another option. There are currently 28 pit bulls at the Denver animal shelter. For those with a second offense, this may be their last stop before they are put down.

"Our hands are just tied with second impoundments or offenses with owners," said Doug Kelley, Denver Animal Shelter director.

Hancock's legislation would include allowing a 24-hour period for someone to come in and adopt the dog and take it outside Denver city limits.

Some say although the option sounds humane, it is more complicated and not necessarily a good idea.

"I want them sent out of state and more importantly I do not want a single penny of taxpayers' dollars spent to ship these dogs out of our area," said Councilman Charlie Brown.

Hancock said he does not want to lift the ban on pit bulls in Denver. He said he just wants to look at a different way to dispose of them outside city limits.