Pit bull advocates react after judge reinstates breed ban in Aurora
DENVER (KDVR) — A district court judge reinstated a ban on pit bulls in Aurora, and now owners and advocates are finding ways to fight for their pets.
Bryon Taylor is an organizer behind End Aurora BSL (breed-specific legislation). He posted a statement to the organization’s website on Tuesday and is prepping his pit bull, Serena, for an educational video shoot on Wednesday.
“Every generation has its dangerous large breed: In the 50s it was the German shepherds; in the 60s it was Doberman pinschers, then it was rottweilers; then pit bulls became the dangerous breed of choice in the 90s with the rise of the internet,” Taylor told FOX31’s Greg Nieto.
Further coverage: Pit bull owners in Aurora are in limbo after judge reinstates breed ban
Taylor has helped fight other metro area bans, from Louisville to Denver to Greenwood Village. He says there are still a lot of unknowns about what will happen within the next 30 days as the Aurora City Council debates whether to let the ban be reinstated or fight it. The bill affects dogs ranging from pit bull terriers to American Stafford Terriers to Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
Many dog owners are concerned they might have to give up their dog to stay in Aurora.
“There is a chance that dogs can be taken depending on what the policy of Aurora Animal Services is once this goes back into effect,” Taylor said.
In a statement posted to the End Aurora BSL website, pit bull advocates said they are turning their focus to the November 2025 election.
“As we move forward, our focus is now on the 2025 municipal elections. We are launching a vigorous campaign to gather signatures in support of a measure to repeal breed legislation in our community,” the statement reads. “This measure will aim to replace BSL with a fair and effective Dangerous Dog legislation. Such legislation will focus on the behavior of dogs and the accountability of owners, ensuring a safer and more humane community for all.”
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Taylor says he will continue to advocate for responsible ownership of dogs, regardless of breed.
“The message I would have is it’s not so much about the breed, it’s about trying to promote responsible ownership,” Taylor said. “And if the breed is banned, we can’t promote responsible ownership to owners of those breeds.”
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