Aurora Question 3A 2024 election results: Repeal of the pit bull ban

DENVER – Aurora Question 3A asks voters to repeal or maintain the pit bull ban that was reinstated in March 2024.

Question 3A would allow Aurora residents to own pit bulls, including American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier and Staffordshire bull terrier dogs.

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The breed ban was introduced in 2005, but the city council revoked the restrictive breed ban in 2021. Concerned citizens felt voters should decide whether pit bulls were allowed rather than city officials. In March this year, a judge ruled that only voters could overturn the ban and put the measure on the ballot in November.

If the legislation is passed, an animal would only be considered dangerous after a violent incident has occurred. The measure would change the specific language about criminalizing pit bulls, while keeping the general law banning the ownership of dangerous animals.

Supporters of the measure say breed bans discourage pit bull owners from accessing training, veterinary care and proper socialization. Proponents also argue that breed bans do not reduce the number of violent incidents and prefer blanket legislation that criminalizes aggressive dog behavior based on individual dogs rather than dog breeds.

Opponents of the measure believe that pit bulls are naturally strong, aggressive dogs. They say pit bulls are responsible for many violent dog incidents, so keeping them out of Aurora would create a safer community.

According to Aurora Animal Services, the Labrador retriever was the leading cause of dog bites in the city from 2016 to 2024. German shepherds came in second and pit bulls came in third.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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