Dog lovers plan historic march on Denver City Hall to protest breed-specific legislation


Posted on Aug 20, 2009
By Julia Szabo

Next Tuesday, fans of the Pit Bull and dog lovers in general are planning a march on the Denver City Hall.  The goal is to demand an immediate repeal of Denver's notorious Pit Bull ban, in effect since May 2005.

The Denver Division of Animal Control strictly enforces the ban, and any dog found astray within the city limits is killed if it's determined to be a Pit Bull, an American Straffordshire Terrier, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or even a mixed-breed dog that's only part pit, AmStaff or Staffie Bull.  Under Section 8-55 of the Denver Municipal Code, any dog owner who refuses to surrender their pet pit bull will face up to a year in jail and a $999 fine.  This ordinance also bans shelters and humane societies from harboring pit bulls, and forbids any US resident from transporting a pit bull through Denver without a permit.

But breed-specific legislation, a.k.a. BSL, does not only impact the outlawed dog breed. "It is a dangerous threat to all dogs everywhere," explains Jim Willis, author of "Pieces of My Heart" and USA Ambassador for World Animal Day.

That's because when another dog breed becomes the target of misunderstanding and prejudice, that breed- whether it's the Doberman or the Rottweiler - could be outlawed next.

Organizers of the historic march are urging all dog owners, regardless of breed preference, to join the protest of BSL, which takes place at 1 PM August 25 at the Denver City and County Building Lawn, 1437 Bannock Street.

Everyone attending is asked to please leave dogs at home.

 

American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier, like the other bull terrier breeds, suffers from a reputation as a fighting dog.  But with the exception of those that have been poorly socialized or trained to fight, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a fine, affectionate canine companion who has been unfairly targeted by legislation aimed at outlawing the breed.  They are gentle, friendly, stoic and courageous.

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