Aurora lawmakers took one of the final steps Monday night in getting rid of a ban on pit bull dog breeds in the city after voters approved the move in November.

Back in 2005, the City Council passed an ordinance that banned the dog breeds, except in instances where the city issued a license. Then in 2010, the city updated the ordinance to reduce the number of prohibited pit bull breeds and grant exceptions for service dogs.

Timeline

Four years later, councilmembers considered an ordinance to repeal the ban but ultimately referred the decision to voters. In the November 2014 election, voters rejected the ordinance, with only 35.6% voting yes — meaning the ban stayed in place.

The council later repealed that ban with an ordinance — or so they thought.

In May 2021, Aurora resident Matthew Snider filed a complaint in court against the city, asserting that in passing an ordinance retracting the ban after voters said they wanted it, the council overrode their will.

In March, 18th Judicial District Court Judge Elizabeth Beebe Volz sided with Snider, ruling that the city’s charter and code require “that once an ordinance has been submitted to the voters by way of resolution or referendum, the subject ordinance cannot be revived, repealed, amended or passed except by electoral vote.”

On Monday, councilmembers voted to pass an ordinance affirming what voters decided in November’s election — that pit bulls are allowed in Aurora. 

Here’s what Aurora residents need to know about the ordinance.

The ordinance will go to a final reading in a meeting Dec. 16. If approved, the ordinance becomes effective Jan. 18, according to a city spokesperson. 

However, its implementation does not change the current state of pit bull ownership in the city. Rather, it allows residents to continue owning pit bulls. Following the District Court’s decision that the council’s vote was invalid, the city appealed the court decision. 

During the appeal, the city operated as it was, meaning there was not a pit bull ban during the appeal process. The appeal will now be moot, assuming the council approves the ordinance on final reading in mid-December. 

Essentially, there has not been an effective restriction on pit bull ownership since February 2021.

The definition of “pit bull”

Pit bull breeds include American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, according to city documents.

New ordinance language

The ordinance passed on first reading Monday changed Sec. 14-75 of Aurora City Code, getting rid of language about restricted breeds. 

The section now reads: “Any owner of an American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or Staffordshire Bull Terrier kept as a household pet or working within the city shall adhere to all requirements in chapter 14 of the Aurora Colo. Code (the “City Code”).”

Aurora’s household pet limitations 

According to Aurora City Code, residents are limited to owning a certain number of several animal types and must have a city license for domesticated dogs and cats.

Dog and cat owners are also required to vaccinate their pets for rabies. With few exceptions, owners are also required to spay or neuter their pets.

Residents can own up to four dogs, up to five cats, up to three ferrets and up to two rabbits, according to code. A combination of animals is allowed but cannot exceed those limits.

City code also bans ownership of aggressive animals, dangerous animals and potentially dangerous animals without proper permitting. There are also additional requirements for dangerous animals, including microchipping and spaying or neutering.

According to code language, aggressive animals are those who approach people or other animals in “apparent attitude of attack.” Dangerous animals are those that have a second confirmed bite to a human or that kill a domesticated animal. Potentially dangerous animals are those who bite a human or injure a dog or cat.

Aurora’s pet regulations in their entirety are available on the city website.