Colorado is notorious for loving dogs. But some dog breeds just aren't allowed in certain cities. One lawmaker wants all pups to know they are wanted.

Coloradans love their dogs -- many of us even feel like our pups are members of the family (all of us should feel this way, but, ya know). As we all know, though, some dog breeds are banned. One lawmaker and Englewood resident wants to do away with breed restrictions. State Rep. Paul Rosenthal (D-Denver) has introduced HB-1126 -- a law, if passed, that will stop HOAs or landlords from banning large dogs.

"It doesn't matter the breed or the size. In a lot of ways, it's just: 'is this a behaved dog?' I think this is a fairness issue and right now people with big dogs are being treated unequally." -- Rosenthal via The Denver Channel

The concern for large breeds -- or unfairly labeled "aggressive" breeds -- is that they are more dangerous than other breeds, resulting in more issues and liabilities. The thing is, any dog can be aggressive; it all depends on how you raise them. In 2014, Labs made up the majority of dog bites in the Front Range. Back in '14, I-News and 9News analyzed bite reports from major cities and counties along the Front Range, from Colorado Springs to Boulder.  Reports were compiled from 2012 to early 2014, and they dug up some interesting statistics. They found that about 6,500 dog bites were reported to police or animal control -- that's over eight a day. While the breeds for these bites were available for about two thirds, it showed that Labs and Lab mixes were the most prone to bite, accounting for 416 of the bites. Labs were followed by German Shepherds, Pit Bulls, Chihuahuas, and Bulldogs.

"Labs are good dogs. It's just how you raise them." -- Sgt. Stephen Romero, animal control investigator in Denver

Well, Sarge, if this logic is applied to Labs -- who have shown to be more aggressive -- then why can't it be applied to pitters, or rottweilers, or dobies? They're good dogs, Brent. In my experience (and I know in many others' experiences, too), most of these large, or unfairly labeled "aggressive" breeds, are typically squishy, lovable goofballs. Even pit bulls with the most harrowing backstories -- those trained to dog-fight and to overall not trust human kind at all -- have been able to turn around with some love and patience. Just a small digression for you, but if you want to hear some great stories and gush over some pups, you should check out New York Bully Crew. Their Instagram has a ton of great stories of rescued and rehabilitated pit bulls. Plus, cute dogs!! Saving Doberman Kind is another great rescue for Dobies, and they are based here in Colorado! Both organizations, and many like them, are driven to not only rescuing these misunderstood pups, but provide tons of information and proof that they aren't the vicious animals that restrictions and bans make them out to be. https://www.instagram.com/p/BeJSkXrBNDT/?taken-by=c.legit5 https://www.instagram.com/p/BWrKq1KBpxm/?taken-by=savingdobermankind Even still, just because a dog bites doesn't mean they're not a good boy or girl. According to Alice Nightengale, director of the Denver Animal Shelter, "Just because a dog bites does not mean it's a bad dog. I think humans have a lot of responsibility for dog bites." Which is a statement I would have to completely agree with -- circumstances leading up to a dog bite vary. But again, it's all in how they are raised and what circumstances they may be put in. Owners of certain breeds, "aggressive" or otherwise, are being discriminated against by apartments and homes because of their pets. Spend some time on Craigslist pets, and you can easily find heartbreaking story after heartbreaking story of owners having to re-home their furry family members because they can't find a new place to live. Personally, I spent some time volunteering at a no-kill shelter and had to organize the phone calls of desperate people with no other option. If the bill passes, it will unfortunately not override cities like Denver (which has its notorious pit bull ban) or an HOA that bans dogs altogether. BUT we can hope that this bill's passing is a step in the right direction! What do you think about breed restrictions in Colorado? Unfair or best for safety? Let us know in the comments!

These travel destinations have been completely taken over by animals!