"When they went to get it, the dog had been destroyed the afternoon before," she said.
"I personally think, from what I've seen of that pound, they can't be bothered. It's easier to have them put down.
"The thing that made a lot of people's hearts go out to her is she was described as being submissive.
"She looks terrified in all the pictures."
Wanganui District Council's deputy manager of strategy and development, Jonathan Barrett, said Tazia had been put down because there were "behavioural issues".
This was also the reason the dog was taken from a property on August 12 at the request of the owner.
"The animal control officer who assessed the dog said it displayed very submissive behaviour and as a result of these traits he deemed it unsuitable for rehoming," Mr Barrett said.
"The officer was concerned the dog's submissive behaviour could turn into aggressive behaviour as a form of defence." The officer had also had reports of the dog harassing posties in the neighbourhood, he said.
"The previous owner of the dog told animal control staff he was unable to prevent the dog roaming from his property and that the dog was difficult to retrieve."
Maree said she went between feelings of "outrage and complete and utter sadness" upon hearing Tazia had been put down.
She did not think Mr Barrett's explanation about behavioural issues was acceptable. "She was a 12-month-old pup. She was clearly frightened at being in the pound. She deserved a chance.
"Since setting up the Justice for Tazia page on Facebook I have been contacted by some reputable rescue groups which are trying to work with the pound to help rescue rehomable dogs, but they are receiving no co-operation," Maree said.
"One group, a charitable trust, has had two letters to the council offering to foster and rehome dogs never been answered.
"A lady posted that she has offered to foster and take in animals, but in 11 years the pound has never contacted her."
Maree's Facebook page has had 247 likes so far.
