The pit bull has been banned in some states in the United States of America because people think they are violent dog breeds to be considered as house pets. Pit bulls or pit bull mixes are often feared and discriminated against because people immediately assume that these dogs can harm them.
Colorado is one of the states in the U.S. that do not allow pit bulls to be kept as pets, but thankfully, the lawmakers have voted to lift the ban after thirty years!
The ban was implemented in 1989, and no one in Colorado can remember when was the last time a pit bull was adopted.
As soon as the pit bull ban has been lifted, Gumdrop, the three-year-old pit bull at the Denver Animal Shelter, is adopted!
Gumdrop was a stray before he was rescued in December. He had no microchip or tags to locate his previous owners. Luckily, he was immediately adopted after the required holding period of the shelter.
Gumdrop’s adoptive family plans to change his name to Odin.
Gumdrop (Odin) may be the first pit bull to be adopted, but Penguin is the first pit bull who became available for adoption since the ban was lifted.
While the lifting of the ordinance is a remarkable feat, many potential pit bull owners face challenges in adopting one. Pit bulls have higher adoption fees, must be microchipped, and must not encounter any trouble for three years. Potential pit bull owners must also secure a permit first before owning one.
Yes, the procedure is a bit tedious, but at least the dog’s reputation is getting better and better now.
We are happy to hear that more and more people now recognize pit bulls as excellent and gentle dogs. We hope that other states in the United States will follow suit and welcome pit bulls in their families.
Photo courtesy of Denver Animal Shelter via Facebook
