Compromise will save pit bulls in Denver

DENVER - The life of Forrest, a pit bull mix, will be spared Friday thanks to Denver Animal Control and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

Denver has enforced a pit bull ban since 2005. Under the ordinance, pit bulls impounded twice are euthanized.

Forrest was picked up in April and July by animal control officers. His owner, Chris McGahey was cited for dog at large violations.

Doug Kelly, director of Denver Animal Control, Forrest's owner Chris McGahey and Best Friends worked out an agreement to find Forrest a new home in another state.

A Best Friend's volunteer drove to Denver from Kanabe, Utah on Friday to evaluate the dog. He is taking Forrest to St. Louis to nd place him with Stray Rescue who will find a new home for the dog.

"I can never own him again, nor can my family, but he's not dead. One day, when I get this put bull ban dropped, I can have him back," said McGahey.

In the past three years, 1,600 pit bulls have been euthanized by Denver Animal Control.

A spokesperson for Denver Animal Control told 9NEWS that this compromise is a significant accomplishment because it means that from here on out, owners who have pit bulls on second impoundment will have the opportunity to surrender them to an out-of-state rescue organization instead of having them euthanized.

However, many shelters across the country are already full and it is difficult to place pit bulls.