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Monday, Oct. 6, 2025

Are pit bulls legal to own in Denver?

Tyler Hickman, The Colorado Sun
yes

Pit bulls are legal in Denver with a breed-restricted permit from Denver Animal Protection.

In 2020, 66% of Denverites voted to pass Ballot Measure 2J, repealing a 30-year ban on pit bulls in the city. The measure requires that owners of any dog with physical traits of American pit bull terriers, American staffordshire terriers or staffordshire bull terriers receive a breed assessment and obtain a permit.

Owners are limited to two pit bulls per household, and must provide the dog’s address, an accurate photo and description, two emergency contacts and an annual $30 fee.

If there are no violations for the dog for three consecutive years, owners may register their dog like any other in Denver. 

After Denver repealed its pit bull ban, several surrounding cities followed suit. Commerce City and Lone Tree dropped citywide bans in 2021, and Aurora voters made the breed legal in 2024.

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