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The Denver City Council has voted to end its 30-year ban on owning pit bulls.
On Monday, the city council passed a new code in a 7-4 vote that would allow its residents to own pit bulls as long as they register their dog with the Denver Animal Protection (DAP) and get a breed-restricted license. The large canines are currently illegal in the Colorado city.
In order to obtain the license, owners will have to provide a name and address for the dog, two emergency contacts and an accurate description of the pit bull, thecity councilexplained in a detailed post on Twitter. Owners will also have to show proof that their pit bull has been microchipped, has received the current rabies vaccination and has been spayed or neutered.
In addition, pit bull owners will have to pay an annual fee to the city to maintain the license.
Other conditions of ownership state that each household is limited to a maximum of two pit bulls, should they choose to own one. Owners will also be required to notify the DAP within eight hours if their pit bull runs away or bites, and within 24 hours if the dog dies or the owner moves.
According to the Denver City Council, the new law will take effect in 90 days.
If there are no violations to the new code within its first three years, the DAP may reevaluate and remove the requirement for a breed-restricted license on pit bulls and owners would be able to license them like any other dogs in the city.
While some Denver residentsvoiced their supportfor the new code, others expressed theirconcern for safetyon social media.
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Pit bulls have been historically targeted with negative stereotypes of aggression, and have become the poster-animal for breed-specific legislation, a phenomenon that the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says is only creating an “illusion” of public safety.
“Laws that ban particular breeds of dogs do not achieve these aims and instead create the illusion, but not the reality, of enhanced public safety,” the organizationsaid in their position statementon pit bulls.
The ASPCA also explained that “dogs of many breeds can be selectively bred or trained to develop aggressive traits,” and not just pit bulls.
source: people.com
