A 2005 ban on pit bull terriers in Colorado’s third largest city may go away, if the Aurora city council approves a substitute ordinance to prohibit aggressive or dangerous pets.

According to Sentinel Colorado, Council Member Charlie Richardson’s proposal would still outlaw any animal that “behaves in a manner that a reasonable person would believe poses a serious or unjustified imminent threat of serious physical injury or death to a person or domestic animal.”

An animal deemed aggressive or dangerous by a judge would have to be leashed and muzzled, and in time could be un-designated if it avoided further incidents.

While the original ordinance grandfathered in dogs already in Aurora (only one remains), the city acknowledged that other people own pit bulls illegally.

In 2018, there were 40 reported bites from dogs of restricted breeds. Those comprised only 10% of all dog bites citywide.

Another aspect of the ordinance that originated from Council Member Allison Hiltz would ban animal fighting, and the breeding and training of animals for the purpose of fighting. 

Roughly 1,600 people completed various surveys about Aurora’s proposed ordinance changes. Approximately 90% who registered their opinion on Hiltz’s fighting prohibition supported it, and 55% supported Richardson’s aggressive animals revision.