Denver voters overturn 31 year-old pitbull ban in favor of ‘breed-restricted permitting process’

Denver residents voted to repeal the “restricted breed ban” on November 3, 2020. They voted, instead, for a new permit process, to be administered by Denver Animal Protection.

Denver residents will now need to obtain a Breed-Restricted Permit.

“This means that Denver residents may not own or keep any pit bull within the City and County without first obtaining a Breed-Restricted Permit satisfying the conditions of the amended language,” a city press release explained. “Although the ordinance will not be officially amended until January 1, 2021, Denver Animal Protection (DAP) has established an initial Breed-Restricted Permitting Process based on the amended language to help pit bull owners plan for the changes. It is the responsibility of any new owner of an adopted breed-restricted animal to contact DAP to initiate the provisional permitting process. Information on how to schedule an assessment after January 1 through Denver Animal Protection will be posted on the site shortly; no appointments for assessments are being scheduled at this time.”