A Dunedin dog has dodged a death sentence after killing a cat in a street attack last month, thanks in part to its previously clean record.
The cat's owner was in tears after the late-morning attack in Dundonald St, Tainui, on May 21.
It was later learned the Staffordshire bull terrier was on a lead before the incident.
The Dunedin City Council animal services team quickly classified the dog as menacing, requiring it to be muzzled in public, as inquiries continued.
Council compliance, animal and parking services team leader Peter Hanlin said his team worked with the cat owner as part of the decision-making process.
The owner accepted the reasoning behind the outcome, he said.
"We considered a range of factors, including the circumstances of the incident and the previously clean history of the dog and its owner.''
"The dog will remain classified as menacing and will be required to be muzzled when out in public.
"The owner is being issued with a $200 infringement under the Dog Control Act, and requirements are being imposed, including conditions around who can walk the dog and that the gate to the dog owner's property must be closed at all times.''
