The Denver City Council repealed the city’s 30-year-old ban on pit bulls Monday night by a razor-thin margin, replacing it with a type of “probation” meant to safely reintroduce the often-demonized breed.

In past weeks, the repeal appeared less controversial than some might have anticipated. But the controversy came to the fore Monday night as those who spoke against the measure during public comment matched those in favor shot for shot.

The council’s vote was split as well. Seven approved Councilman Chris Herndon’s measure while four opposed. Council members Candi CdeBaca and Stacie Gilmore were absent.

Denver resident Paul Vranas said he is the father of two young children and is concerned about public safety. In a nurturing environment, pit bulls might be as safe as any other dog, but not all dogs live in nurturing environments, he said.

“The privilege of owning a pit bull should be granted only to people who we think will be responsible owners,” he said.

Indeed, council members stressed the need for responsible ownership as the best method for keeping residents safe.

Shira Hereld, who attended the council meeting, praised the move as a victory for Denver and dog lovers across the metropolitan area. After the vote, she jumped for joy, cried and hugged others who spoke in favor of the repeal.

“I am over the moon,” Hereld said. “I am shocked and so grateful.”

Grateful in particular to council members who were nervous about the vote but trusted in the data presented as it was discussed, Hereld said.

Council President Jolon Clark fit that bill, saying he was at first uncomfortable with the repeal but then came to listen to the experts, though it was difficult at times.

Hereld said she moved to Denver in 2018 but quickly faced a choice between the city or her dog, Merry. She and her boyfriend stuck by their four-legged friend and moved to Arvada, where there is no such ban.

Denver’s law could have spelled trouble for Merry, a mixed breed whose boxy head, broad chest and set-back ears give the immediate impression of a pit bull.

“I was constantly concerned she wouldn’t pass the visual test,” Hereld said.

A week before the vote, Hereld sat in her living room, scratching Merry’s head as it lay in her lap.

“I couldn’t look her into the eyes and bear the thought of giving her up,” she said.

Hereld and a friend partnered with Herndon to write the repeal. The measure replaces the breed-specific ban with what they call common-sense tactics to reintroduce and track pit bulls in Denver.

National experts agree on the new approach.

“While breed-specific bans may appear to be a quick fix, they are an overly simplistic approach to a complex social problem,” said Dr. Kendall Houlihan, assistant director of the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Animal Welfare Division.

Still, many opposed to the repeal echoed concerns of pit bull attacks, dogs left off leashes or those able to escape and enforcement.

“Please do not visit this plague upon the citizens of Denver,” said resident Reginald Norman.

But there’s no specific data to show that one breed is more dangerous than another, Houlihan said. Plus, bans are difficult to enforce, especially with mixed-breed dogs, and they don’t focus on the actual problems.

“Breed bans de-emphasize the importance of responsible pet ownership in preventing dog bite injuries, diverting attention and resources away from effective measures such as socialization and training, neutering of male dogs, and licensing and leash laws,” she said.

Other breeds — such as German shepherds, dobermans and rottweilers — have also been subjected to similar bans across the country and misinformation campaigns, Houlihan acknowledged.

“While it is commonly suggested, pit bull-type dogs also do not have unique ‘locking’ jaws that necessarily cause more damage than other large breeds,” she said.

Bite-rate statistics are unreliable because data is often inconsistent or incomplete, she said.

Denver’s ban was enacted in 1989 after several high-profile attacks.

Fort Collins native Andy Loomis remembers those days. He has long since moved to Texas — where he lives with Cecil, an 11-year-old pit-bull mix — but returns home often and he said he’s haunted by the stories of the pit bulls that were seized and euthanized after the ban was enacted.

Loomis said he worries so much that he won’t bring Cecil back to Colorado with him on visits because he’s afraid of passing through Denver.

“I called Denver 311 and they assured me that everyone will be fine, but when you see those photos of all those dead dogs and you know (the ban) is on the books, you just can’t really trust that,” Loomis said. “Why would I pass through if there was any kind of risk?”

Loomis and Hereld agreed that their dogs — indeed, most dogs — require training before they’re fully acclimated to other animals and people. That’s the responsibility of pet owners, whether they’re handling pit bulls or any other dog, they say. It’s no fault of any specific breed.

The ban presents some from living in town, Hereld said. And it complicates how and when others visit, Loomis said.

Herndon’s measure fixes both of those problems, they said.

Plus, there are pit bulls already living in Denver, Herndon has said. This will allow them to apply for legal ownership of the breed.

The application for a pit bull license will require name and contact information, emergency contacts, a description of the dog and proof that it’s microchipped and properly vaccinated. It also carries a fee.

If there are no attacks, instances of animal cruelty, fighting or other issues with the dog for three years then the restricted license will be removed and the pit bull will be licensed just the same as any other breed. Owners are limited to two pit bulls per home.

Aurora, Lone Tree, Louisville and Commerce City still ban pit bulls, though the Aurora City Council is also discussing whether to change its law. Castle Rock’s Town Council repealed its pit bull ban in 2018.

Now, Hereld said she and her boyfriend can once more look for a home in Denver with Merry.

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to say that Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore was absent from the vote.