Marty
08-10-2005, 12:27 PM
Denver, CO -- Hundreds of pit-bull supporters jammed City Council chambers Tuesday to urge lawmakers not to ban the dog within Aurora.
The city's code committee is weighing three ordinances to bring to the full City Council for consideration: banning all pit bulls; forbidding any new pit bulls in the city; or imposing strict rules for any household that owns a pit bull. No decision was made Tuesday.
The resounding sentiment in the standing-room-only, 2 1/2-hour hearing was in support of the dogs. People took to the microphone to plead for their pooches, carrying photos of their dogs, turning in signed petitions and reading prepared speeches and poems. Some trembled and cried at the thought of the city banning the dog type, which includes several breeds.
Dog lovers asked the committee to work to prevent poor ownership. They said negative media reports, skewed studies and hysteria are driving the bans. Some said they would move from Aurora or boycott its businesses if the city imposed a ban.
Shirlina Stone, who is training to be a veterinary technician, broke her lease in Denver to move to Aurora because Denver has a ban and she owns two pit bulls.
"Colorado is pit-bull racist," she said. "Don't let a couple bad owners ruin the pit- bull breed. Think about the responsible owners who love their dogs."
The Rev. Kathy Haley of Aurora said she has seen communities ban a number of types of dogs, including Great Danes, German shepherds, wolf hybrids and rat terriers.
"It goes in waves," she said. "Any dog can be trained to be dangerous. ... You can train your dog to be a fighter or be kind."
However, not everyone at the meeting supported the dogs.
Outside the meeting, Damon Foshee said his cocker spaniel, Sandy, was attacked by a pit bull in late May.
The Foshees spent $4,500 to save their dog's life. And the pit bull still lives down the street.
"I understand that everyone with a pit bull is going to be out here to protect their dog," he said. "But I want them banned as soon as possible."
Staff writer Jeremy Meyer can be reached at 303-820-1175 or jpmeyer@denverpost.com.
The city's code committee is weighing three ordinances to bring to the full City Council for consideration: banning all pit bulls; forbidding any new pit bulls in the city; or imposing strict rules for any household that owns a pit bull. No decision was made Tuesday.
The resounding sentiment in the standing-room-only, 2 1/2-hour hearing was in support of the dogs. People took to the microphone to plead for their pooches, carrying photos of their dogs, turning in signed petitions and reading prepared speeches and poems. Some trembled and cried at the thought of the city banning the dog type, which includes several breeds.
Dog lovers asked the committee to work to prevent poor ownership. They said negative media reports, skewed studies and hysteria are driving the bans. Some said they would move from Aurora or boycott its businesses if the city imposed a ban.
Shirlina Stone, who is training to be a veterinary technician, broke her lease in Denver to move to Aurora because Denver has a ban and she owns two pit bulls.
"Colorado is pit-bull racist," she said. "Don't let a couple bad owners ruin the pit- bull breed. Think about the responsible owners who love their dogs."
The Rev. Kathy Haley of Aurora said she has seen communities ban a number of types of dogs, including Great Danes, German shepherds, wolf hybrids and rat terriers.
"It goes in waves," she said. "Any dog can be trained to be dangerous. ... You can train your dog to be a fighter or be kind."
However, not everyone at the meeting supported the dogs.
Outside the meeting, Damon Foshee said his cocker spaniel, Sandy, was attacked by a pit bull in late May.
The Foshees spent $4,500 to save their dog's life. And the pit bull still lives down the street.
"I understand that everyone with a pit bull is going to be out here to protect their dog," he said. "But I want them banned as soon as possible."
Staff writer Jeremy Meyer can be reached at 303-820-1175 or jpmeyer@denverpost.com.