Denver Mayor Michael Hancock announced Friday that he will veto an ordinance passed by city council to repeal a ban on pit bulls, according to the Washington Post. 
Hancock said his decision was based on irresponsible ownership. The Washington Post reports that Hancock claims his decision has more to do with the regulation of dog ownership and licenses than breed-specific discrimination. 
"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 the overall impact of this ordinance,” Hancock said. “We cannot diminish the very real, very traumatic experiences of those who have reached out to me to share their stories."
According to the Denver Post, this will be Hancock's first veto in three terms. 
The mayor heard from both sides this week. He claimed that hundreds of calls, emails and social media posts flowed into his office with valid points on each side, according to the Denver Post.
The Denver Post also reports that if the council is unable to overcome the veto in a vote Tuesday evening, Councilman Chris Herndon, who proposed the measure, said he will aim to place a similar measure on the city’s November ballot. An override would require nine votes, and it passed the council with seven.