AURORA — The decision whether or not to repeal a ban on three breeds of dogs commonly called pit bulls could be going to Aurora voters this fall.

At a Public Safety Committee meeting Thursday, four council members agreed to make the official definition of an aggressive dog not breed-specific, and then turn the decision on allowing pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers and Staffordshire bull terriers over to the people.

“It’s only fair that Aurora citizens tell us what they want,” said Ward 3 Councilmember Marsha Berzins.

She said the city has received emails from people all over the world over what she called a complicated and emotional issue.

“This way, it’s a simple ballot measure: Do you want the ban lifted or do you want to keep the ban,” she said.

The committee agreed that the language in the ordinance, which won’t fully appear on the ballot, should be changed to strike two clauses that implicate pit bulls as the only type of aggressive dog.

The committee’s recomendations will go before council during a study session, and then full council will vote on whether to put the question on the ballot for this fall.

“We’re presenting (the breed ban) in the ordinance like it’s a fact, and it’s not a scientific fact,” said at-large councilmember Bob LaGare. “When a dog is attacking and won’t let go, a Rottweiler is probably just as unwilling to let go as a pit bull.”

At-large councilmember Barb Cleland — who is the public safety committee chairwoman — was considered the swing vote on the issue. She said she wanted to let voters have the final say.

“If the voters say yes or no, I don’t want a (future) council to be able to overturn it without going back to them,” Cleland said.

In March, city council voted to table the discussion until the definition of a vicious dog was clarified. Cleland also wanted to have a protocol in place with Animal Care in case a dog bite does occur.

The ordinance was altered to deal with bites on a case by case basis. The city’s legal counsel said there would be a disposition hearing with a judge, and Animal Care would later create a standard for what to do with dogs considered too dangerous for the city.

The ban on pit bulls has been in place since 2006.

“This has been a long time coming,” Cleland said. “I’m glad we’re doing something about it once and for all.”

Megan Mitchell: 303-954-2650, or mmitchell@denverpost.com