Deadly Conifer pit bull attack sheds light on breed bans in Colorado

DENVER - Sheriff deputies called it a gruesome scene. A 60-year-old woman lost her life; her son rushed to the hospital.

The pit bull attack in Conifer Monday that killed Susan Shawl and wounded her 36-year-old son sheds light on a controversy that has many up in arms.

Seven communities in Colorado have pit bull bans, including Denver. The bans have been challenged in court over the years but have remained in effect to this day.

Here are the seven communities, according to Dogsbite.org, that bans the breed:

Advocates for the breed argue that pit bulls are not inherently dangerous. They argue the dogs are often victims of irresponsible owners. However, some point to the breed’s lineage and history as a reason why the bans are in place.