A letter dated February 14, 2020 from Michael B. Hancock, Mayor, notifying City Council of his veto of Council Bill 20-0071.
There's a lot at stake. The numbers from the census help determine federal funding to support services and infrastructure for the people we serve. You'll hear all of us talking more about the census as we get closer to April 1st. If you want more information, please visit Denver gov dawg slash census 2020. All right. That concludes the announcements for this evening. There are no presentations, but we do have one communication. Madam Secretary, will you please read our communication? 2193 A letter dated February 14th, 2020 from Michael V Hancock Mayor notifying City Council of his veto of Council Bill 20 zero zero 71. Council President Clark and Members of City Council. Over the past several days, I have heard from thousands of residents passionately expressing their opinions on both sides of this issue. I want to thank everybody who has shared their views, especially those I have spoken to personally experts in veterinary care, animal care and control, as well as residents of our city who have had experiences with the pit bull breeds, all to gain a broader understanding of what this change would mean for our community and those who own these dogs. After deep reflection and consideration, I find that I cannot in good conscience support this legislation and will exercise my authority as mayor to veto it. Let me say at the outset that I salute the sponsor of this ordinance, Councilman Herndon, and his fellow council members who have tried to craft legislation that creates a data and licensing system for these breeds that is supported by veterinary experts and encourages owners of pit bull breeds to manage their pets. Unfortunately, less than 20% of all pets in Denver are currently licensed, which raises significant questions about the effectiveness of this proposed new system. While much progress has been made in recent years to increase that number, more intentional efforts around responsible pet ownership, dog licensure and registration and off leash dogs are needed before this proposal should be considered. The reality is that irresponsible pet owners continue to be a problem and it is the irresponsible owners and their dogs I must consider in evaluating and the overall impact of this ordinance. We cannot diminish the very real, very traumatic experiences of those who have reached out to me to share their stories. Well, I appreciate the effort that Councilman Herndon has put into crafting this ordinance and its guardrails. I do not believe this ordinance fully addresses the very real risk to severe injury that can result from attacks from these particular dog breeds, especially should they happen to a child. At the end of the day. I must ask whether passage of this ordinance would make our homes and neighborhoods safer or pose an increased risk risk to public safety. I have concluded that it will pose an increased risk. Increased risk. I encourage members of City Council to reconsider their approach to this ordinance, which has been in the municipal code for over three decades. If we were to make this change now and harm comes to someone as a result, then we have done a disservice to the people of this great city. Respectfully, Michael B Hancock Mayor. Thank you, Madam Secretary. The communication regarding regarding the veto of Council Bill 2271 is received and filed. All right, Councilman Herndon, I understand that in on this issue, you have a motion to override the veto. On Council Bill 2071.