Attack dog to be allowed home

Misty with Jorg Thamm, who treated the dog after the attack.

The dog responsible for inflicting serious wounds on Misty the dog in a family-friendly park earlier this month will be returned to its owner.

Misty, a bichon poodle, was being taken for a walk at Memorial Park by her owner Judi Casey when a border collie rushed out from bushes and mauled Misty. A bystander removed the dog but Misty suffered serious wounds and was taken to the vet.

Tauranga City Council animal services team leader Brent Lincoln said after extensive meetings with the owner and Miss Casey, the dog would be returned to the owner.

"We are going to classify the dog as dangerous, which means it must be kept in an enclosed area of the house," he said.

"Whenever that dog is not in the fenced area, it must be muzzled and we have made sure he [the owner] is fully aware of his responsibilities," Mr Lincoln said.

Earlier this week The border collie's owners said they were suffering too because their pet was impounded.

Miss Casey earlier told the Bay of Plenty Times Misty was "a stoic little fighter" but still struggling to overcome the attack.

"We both are," she said.

"Even though with what's happened, I don't necessarily want that dog put down but people have said it could have been a child.

"My whole thing is that I should be able to go into a public domain and walk my dog on a lead, as she was, without nearly being killed."