Vote to let good dogs stay in good homes
Dog jail is how I referred to the place when I was a volunteer. The big East Coast city dog pound was a bleak concrete and chain link operation. The air smelled of pee and disinfectant. Incessant barking reverberated against the bare walls. Rats darted through open doors. While on duty, I would step into cages to pet the pit bulls and give them extra bones. They would lick my hands. No matter how gentle or waggy- tailed, these dogs were all destined for death row. Every one of them, even puppies, were euthanized because of the city’s ban on pit bulls and dogs unfortunate enough to resemble them.
When a city has a breedspecific ban, good dogs die.
It’s that simple. And that’s why Denver residents should vote for 2J which would end the city’s pit bull ban.
Under the proposed initiative, owners of pit bulls would be able to purchase a special probationary permit for their dog. To do so, the owner would have to microchip, vaccinate, and spay or neuter the dog and provide extensive contact information, a description of the dog and a photograph. Owners would be required to notify animal protection services if the dog escaped or bit someone. If the dog had no violations for 36 consecutive months, it would be eligible for a regular license. The law would limit the number of pit bulls per household to two. Denver ordinances concerning aggressive dogs of any breed would remain in force.
Earlier this year, the Denver City Council attempted to replace Denver’s 31- year- old ban on pit bulls with a similar probationary licensing system. The legislation was a rare example of successful political compromise. It would have given responsible pit bull owners a path to legalization while addressing the concerns of those who oppose ownership of this breed. Technically “pit bull” isn’t a breed but a catch- all term for the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Although several studies indicate that pit bulls are not inherently more dangerous than other dog breeds, the breed has a bad reputation. An aggressive pit bull is more dangerous than an aggressive dachshund. As with other large, powerful breeds, there have been incidents of aggression towards other dogs or people. For this reason, people are concerned. The beauty of the City Council’s proposal is that it addressed both sides in a fair way.
Sadly, the ordinance was vetoed by the mayor.
Dog advocates were smart to place a similar proposal before Denver voters. More cities and towns are rethinking breedspecific ban in favor of laws that address aggressive behavior by any breed of dog according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Two years ago, Castle Rock’s Town
Council repealed its breedspecific ban. The Aurora City Council solicited public comments but postponed taking up the issue this year.
The fact is dogs of any breed can bite. I’ve been bitten by a retriever, a dachshund and a collie. Yes, a Lassie lookalike bit me in the face. The dachshund’s bite, however, was the deepest leaving both a puncture wound and a bruise. No dog bit me while I was a volunteer at the pound; I was attacked by a ferret and a cat. I’ve also been bitten by a camel, a horse, a hamster, a parrot, and an ostrich. The parrot’s bite was by far the worst. Animals bite for a variety of reasons — the ostrich liked my shirt and hamsters are jerks — however, most animals bite out of fear. Truly aggressive animals, especially large, powerful dogs, need to be put down because they can grievously injure or kill a person. Negligent and abusive owners need to be held responsible.
The best way to address dangerous animals and their owners is through broadbased laws that focus on behavior and do not single out a breed. Denver voters should approve 2J and set an example for the handful of remaining Colorado jurisdictions that discriminate against specific breeds. Good laws address behavior. Good dogs go home.