DENVER – Aurora Question 3A asks voters to repeal or maintain the ban on pit bulls that was reinstated in March 2024.

Question 3A would allow Aurora residents to own pit bulls, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

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The breed ban was put in place in 2005, but the City Council repealed the restrictive breed ban in 2021. Concerned citizens felt voters should decide whether to allow pit bulls rather than city officials. In March of this year, a judge ruled that only voters could overturn the ban — pushing the measure to the November ballot.

If passed, the legislation would only consider an animal dangerous after a violent incident occurs. The measure would change specific language about criminalizing pit bulls while maintaining general legislation prohibiting the possession of dangerous animals.

Proponents of the measure say breed bans deter pit bull owners from accessing training, veterinary care and proper socialization. Supporters also argue that breed bans do not decrease violent incidents and prefer blanket legislation that criminalizes aggressive canine behavior based on individual dogs rather than dog breeds.

Those who oppose the measure believe that pit bulls are naturally strong and aggressive dogs. They say pit bulls are responsible for many violent incidents with dogs, so keeping them out of Aurora would create a safer community.

According to Aurora Animal Services, between 2016 and 2024, Labrador retrievers were the leading cause of dog bites in the city. German shepherds came in second and pit bulls came in third.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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