"In 2005 and 2006, Denver put 1,453 pit bulls to death. City staff only had euthanization numbers back to 2002. But by applying the impound/euthanization rate to the previous ten years, we estimate that at least 3,497 pit bulls have been euthanized under Denver's ban." (westword. com) Pit Bulls are banned in the city and county of Denver because the breed is "aggressive" and "dangerous". The breed is no different than others such as Golden Retrievers or Bull Dogs. Sure, they were first intended to fight and bull/ bear-baiting, however that does not mean that they HAVE to pursue the intent of their creators. German Shepards were bred to herd and protect sheep; how often do you see the breed being utilized for herding? Not very often, they are now police dogs, family members, and working dogs. Yes, Pit Bulls have the features of a fighting dog such as: determination, power, drive, muscle, etc. However, so do dogs such as Boxers, Great Danes, etc. Pit Bulls are misunderstood and have a reputation that is not always accurate. Some perceive Pit Bulls as mean, cruel, aggressive, and dangerous... They are only that way if they are trained to be that way. The same is with any other breed. Dogs are like humans; if someone grows up in a drug prominent environment, they are most likely to use. If a dog is brought up in an aggressive and cruel environment, they will learn to follow those behaviors. All Pit Bulls need is a loving owner/ family, correct care, and love. Pit Bulls can make loving, caring, and amazing pets if we just give them the chance.

I recently visited my local animal shelter and immediately saw a male Pit Bull who was forced into dogfighting when he was just a puppy. I immediately asked to go in his pin and play with him. Right when I opened the gate he ran out in fear of me. Once I got him back in his pin he was very timid and shaking as I approached him. I approached him with my hand out, kneeling down to his eye level. He proceeded by sniffing and licking my hand, I then knew that it was okay to go to him. Once I wrapped my arms around him he immediately stopped shaking and started licking me and shaking his butt in excitement. As I looked closer, he had scars and lesions all over his body from dogfighting. He was probably one of the sweetest dogs I have met and he and his breed deserves way more than they have. The reason he ran when I opened his pin was because he was scared of me; of humans. Humans aren't the only ones who are scared, dogs get scared too. If we all treat dogs nicely, they will treat us with great compassion and love in return.

All we have to do is show dogs love to receive love. If we show them aggression, they will show us aggression. We have to give these dogs a chance. The City and County of Denver is not giving these dogs a change; they are shutting them down, euthanizing them, and neglecting them. Together we can make a change and bring the love and compassion a Pit Bull can give back into our families in Denver. Please sign this petition to make a change!