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| American Staffordshire Terrier |
Effective January 2025, residents are allowed to own American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers within city limits. The change follows the Aurora City Council’s approval of an ordinance reflecting the will of voters in the November 2024 election, in which 56% supported repealing the previous ban on these breeds.
Another result of the ordinance change is that the Aurora Animal Shelter can now adopt those dog breeds to Aurora residents. Previously, the breeds could only be adopted out through the shelter's Everyday Adoption Center in Westminster to non-Aurora residents. More information about adoptable animals can be found at Adoptable Animals.
As part of the change, owners of American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers and Staffordshire bull terriers are required to license their dogs with the city, just as is mandatory for all Aurora dog and cat owners. Pet licenses are important for ensuring a healthy pet population in the city, because a current rabies vaccination is required for obtaining a license. Also, a license helps reunite pets with their families in case they ever get lost. Learn more at Pet License or call 303.326.8280.
The City Council recently enacted a new dangerous-dog ordinance, which gives judges greater latitude in deciding whether a dog of any breed poses a community risk based on their behavior and actions. As always, residents can report animal-related issues to the city by calling 303.326.8288 (option 6) or filing a report with Access Aurora at AuroraGov.org/ContactUs.