Court affirms dismissal of pit-bull ban lawsuit

DENVER - The Colorado Court of Appeals has upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit challenging a ban of pit bulls in the city of Aurora.

The court ruled Thursday that Khristina Villani, who owns property in Aurora, did not prove her case.

Villani had argued that the ban was unconstitutional. The case was originally dismissed because the court did not receive a response that it was later determined Villani had sent. The dismissal was promptly vacated.

However the appeals court ruled the case should be dismissed.

The city banned new pit bulls in February 2006. Current owners at the time could keep their dogs if they obtained $200 annual licenses and followed certain requirements, including providing secured backyard enclosures and posting warning signs on front doors.