Aurora Colorado Breed Ban: What Dogs Are Banned?
Learn which dog breeds are banned in Aurora, Colorado, breed-specific legislation rules, and what penalties apply to violations.
Aurora Colorado Breed Ban: What Dogs Are Banned?
Aurora, Colorado maintains one of the more detailed breed-specific legislation (BSL) policies in the state. Understanding these regulations is essential for current and prospective dog owners in the city. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Aurora's breed ban, prohibited breed characteristics, enforcement procedures, and available exceptions.
Aurora's Breed-Specific Legislation Overview
Aurora's breed restrictions are codified in the municipal code and apply to all dogs within city limits. The legislation focuses on specific breeds deemed potentially dangerous based on historical incident data and physical characteristics. Unlike some jurisdictions that focus solely on pit bulls, Aurora's ordinance addresses multiple breed categories and includes provisions for individual dog assessments.
The city's approach combines breed identification with behavioral evaluation, meaning some dogs can potentially be exempted even if they match banned breed descriptions through the variance process.
Banned Breeds in Aurora, Colorado
Primary Banned Breeds
Aurora's ban explicitly lists the following breeds as prohibited:
- Pit Bull Terrier (including American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier)
- Rottweiler
- Akita
- Chow Chow
- Dalmatian
- Doberman Pinscher
- German Shepherd
- Husky/Malamute (northern breed dogs with similar characteristics)
- Wolf hybrids and any dog with wolf ancestry
Dangerous Dog Classifications
Beyond specific breeds, Aurora also classifies dogs as dangerous based on behavioral criteria. A dog may be declared dangerous if it has:
- Caused serious bodily injury to a person
- Killed or seriously injured a domestic animal
- Been trained or used for dog fighting
- Been found to have a propensity for aggression based on behavior history
This classification system allows animal control to address dangerous individual dogs regardless of breed.
What Constitutes a Violation
Ownership Requirements
Owning a banned breed in Aurora without proper authorization is a violation. The city defines violations based on:
- Possessing a dog matching prohibited breed characteristics
- Failing to comply with variance requirements if a dog has been grandfathered or exempted
- Violating containment or liability insurance requirements
- Providing false information about a dog's breed or behavior
Physical Characteristics Assessment
Aurora's ordinance includes language allowing animal control officers to identify banned breeds based on physical characteristics. This means mixed-breed dogs exhibiting traits consistent with banned breeds may be subject to restrictions. The assessment typically includes evaluation of:
- Head and jaw structure
- Body size and build
- Temperament observations
- Genetic documentation or pedigree records
Penalties and Enforcement
Violation Consequences
Violating Aurora's breed ban can result in:
- Fines: Typically ranging from $100 to $500+ depending on the violation and whether it's a first or repeat offense
- Criminal charges: Continued violation may result in misdemeanor charges
- Confiscation: Animal control may seize the dog
- Euthanasia: Banned dogs deemed dangerous may be subject to mandatory euthanasia following legal process
Legal Process
Before a dog is removed, the city generally follows this process:
- Initial complaint or identification of banned breed
- Animal control investigation and documentation
- Owner notification and opportunity to respond
- Possible hearing before city official or board
- Decision regarding confiscation or allowed variance
- Owner right to appeal decision
Variance and Exemption Options
Grandfathered Dogs
Dogs owned before Aurora's breed ban took effect (or updated effect date) may be grandfathered, allowing continued ownership under specific conditions:
- The dog must be registered as a grandfathered animal
- Owner must maintain current dog license
- Liability insurance is typically required
- The dog must be microchipped
- Specific containment requirements must be met
Variance Applications
Owners of banned breed dogs may apply for a variance, typically demonstrating:
- The dog's actual genetic makeup through DNA testing
- The dog's safe behavioral history
- Responsible ownership history
- Community support or professional evaluations
- Compliance with special requirements
Is your dog visually misidentified?
BSL identifies breeds by appearance. A DNA test proves what your dog actually is.
Variances are not guaranteed and require application fees, often $100-$300 or more.
Special Requirements for Exempt Dogs
Containment Standards
Dogs approved under variance or grandfathered status typically must meet strict containment requirements:
- Securely fenced yard (minimum 6 feet) on owner's property
- No chain-only containment (in most cases)
- Dogs cannot be left unattended outside fenced area
- Secure gates and escape-proof fencing required
Liability Insurance
Most exempted dogs require liability insurance specifically covering the dog, typically:
- Minimum coverage of $100,000 to $500,000
- Proof of current insurance required annually
- Insurance must name the city as additional insured
Identification and Registration
Required documentation includes:
- Current dog license from Aurora
- Microchip implantation and registration
- Proof of spay/neuter (in most cases)
- Annual registration renewal with photos
The Variance Process in Detail
Application Steps
- Obtain application from Aurora Animal Control or city website
- Submit documentation including owner information, dog photos, and behavioral history
- Pay application fee (non-refundable in many cases)
- Provide supporting evidence such as DNA test results, veterinary references, or trainer evaluations
- Attend review hearing if required by the city
- Receive decision within specified timeframe (typically 30-60 days)
Required Documentation
Applicants typically need:
- Photographs of the dog from multiple angles
- DNA test results (if claiming mixed breed status)
- Veterinary health and behavior records
- Training certifications or completion proof
- Character references
- Proof of liability insurance
- Property survey showing fencing compliance
Practical Considerations for Aurora Residents
Identification Challenges
Since Aurora's ban includes breed mixes and physical characteristic assessments, owners of dogs resembling banned breeds face potential risk. Even dogs without banned breed ancestry may be flagged by appearance alone.
Relocation Alternatives
Some Aurora residents with banned breed dogs choose to:
- Move to neighboring jurisdictions without similar bans
- Rehome their dogs to compliant areas
- Pursue lengthy variance processes
Insurance and Housing Impacts
Beyond city regulations, banned breed ownership affects:
- Homeowner's insurance eligibility or premiums
- Rental housing options
- Liability concerns
- Veterinary care accessibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all pit bull-type dogs banned in Aurora? A: Aurora bans dogs identified as Pit Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers specifically. Mixed breeds with pit bull characteristics may also be restricted.
Q: Can I appeal an animal control breed determination? A: Yes. Aurora provides appeal processes through the city, though specific procedures and timelines vary. Legal representation is often recommended.
Q: What if my dog was grandfathered before the ban? A: Grandfathered dogs must be registered with the city and comply with containment, insurance, and identification requirements to remain legal.
Q: Does DNA testing guarantee my dog won't be banned? A: DNA testing can help in variance applications but doesn't guarantee approval. Physical appearance and other factors may still apply.
Q: How much does a variance application cost? A: Fees vary but typically range from $100-$300+. Check with Aurora Animal Control for current pricing.
Q: Can my dog be euthanized for being a banned breed? A: Confiscation and euthanasia are possible if a dog is deemed dangerous or if the owner doesn't comply with regulations. This typically involves a legal process with owner notification.
Q: Are there specific breeds that are always safe from the ban? A: Yes. Breeds not listed (such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, etc.) are not subject to breed-specific restrictions, though dangerous dog declarations can apply to any breed based on behavior.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about Aurora, Colorado's breed-specific legislation. It is not legal advice. Breed determination and variance decisions are made by Aurora Animal Control on a case-by-case
Not legal advice. Always verify current ordinances with your local animal control office or city attorney before making decisions.