Weka-chasing dog Laska will live, but Far North District Council decides to rehome her

Husky-cross Laska attacked protected wildlife but the Far North District Council has decided to rehome her. Photo / Supplied

The owners of a roaming dog seen with a protected weka in its mouth have saved their pet's life.

However, it has come at a cost - the husky-cross Laska will be going to new owners.

Martin Allen and Lisa Wynyard of Russell had waged a three-month fight, including an online petition that attracted more that 29,000 signatures, to get their impounded pet back.

The owner of husky-cross was fined for failing to ensure his dog was under control at all times. Photo / Supplied

The Kaikohe District Court had ordered Laska's destruction after Mr Allen pleaded guilty to three charges of failing to keep the husky-cross under control on February 16, 27 and 28 and another of being the owner of a dog that attacked protected wildlife.

The online petition "Help Save Laska" attracted 29,935 signatures - of which 27,377 were from overseas - but in the end the person who saved the dog was Far North District Council compliance manager Darren Edwards.

He assessed the dog and decided it could be rehomed and is working with the former owners to find a suitable home.

"We've given an undertaking to the dog owners we'd do our best to rehome her.

"We feel if the dog is removed from the current setting and given obedience training, it can be rehomed," he said.

Mr Edwards said Laska had previously attracted three infringement notices and a dog control notice.

Russell's large kiwi population meant dogs must be kept under control at all times.

Mr Edwards said that between September and December last year the council received nine complaints that Laska was seen wandering in Russell.

Of particular concern was the dog being spotted in the neighbouring Russell Nature Walks' site, a wildlife bird sanctuary for weka, kiwi and other protected wildlife.

On February 27, Laska was seen chasing a weka and with the bird in her mouth.

The dog was also captured on video straying on to private property on other occasions.

Council animal control officers seized Laska on March 1 and took her to a pound at Okaihau.

Mrs Wynyard was happy the dog was alive but sad to lose her.

She said Laska was not aggressive but was a friendly dog which was microchipped and registered.

She said her dog was in an electric collar and had "slipped"out of their property when she was seen wandering.

"I hope she gets rehomed with someone I know so I can visit her."

Mr Allen was fined $500 on the charge of being the owner of a dog that attacked protected wildlife and $130 each on the other three charges.

Eion Harwood of Russell Nature Walks had complained about Laska and was pleased the council followed it up.

Kiwi, with their declining numbers, needed greater protection from dogs.

"Clearer dog control rules will help everyone and reduce the work load on the busy FNDC dog control team," Mr Harwood said.

"The community will better understand what is expected of them and their neighbours."