Animal Law Center Learns City of Denver Now Permits The Use Pit Bulls As Service Dogs
City of Denver enacted policy change on April 5, 2011.
April 29, 2011; FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Attorneys with The Animal Law Center in Wheat Ridge, Colorado learned today that the City of Denver has adopted a policy that permits disabled citizens to use pit bulls as service animals. In a court motion filed by the City, Doug Kelley, director of animal care and control, stated that the city will no longer prevent use of the breed for service dog work within the city’s jurisdiction.
In an affidavit, Kelley stated that the policy and procedure was adopted in writing to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Affidavit is attached as a PDF to this email)
“This revised policy brings Denver closer to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act,” said Jennifer Edwards, lawyer and founder of The Animal Law Center. “The ADA allows the use of pit bulls as service dogs. This is a step forward for Denver. However, this change in the City’s policy does not fully resolve our lawsuit.”
On March 25, 2011, The Animal Law Center filed an amended Federal Lawsuit that challenges the breed bans in Denver and Aurora on behalf of four clients who own pit bull service dogs. Each of the plaintiffs uses their animal to assist them daily with life tasks.
About The Animal Law Center: The Animal Law Center provides an array of legal services for animal owners and guardians. We are the only dedicated animal law practice in Colorado and are one of the few firms in the United States that practice animal-related law on a full time basis. While individual members of The Animal Law Center hold political and ethical beliefs related to animals, the ALC considers ALL cases, regardless of a potential client’s political and ethical views. The ALC is a firm that practices law as it pertains to animals, not necessarily animal-rights law. For more information:www.theanimallawcenter.com
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