Court Revives Challenge of Denver Pit Bull Ban

Opponents of Denver’s ban on pit bulls have won another chance to challenge the law in court.

The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals revived a lawsuit filed by three former Denver residents who moved out the city to avoid having their dogs euthanized.

A federal judge dismissed their lawsuit in March 2008.

A three-judge panel of the 10th Circuit said the residents could proceed on their claim that Denver’s breed-specific prohibition is irrational.

Denver banned pit bulls in 1989 after dogs mauled a minister and killed a boy in separate attacks. The city began enforcing the law in May 2005 after years of legal challenges.