The bull mastiff cross staffy escaped its Strowan property and attacked retirees Sonya and Jim Knapp's dog Daisy on Monday.
It had to be put down due to its injuries.
The mastiff owner, who gave his name only as Daniel, said the Christchurch City Council had yesterday asked for his permission to destroy his dog, Molly.
He refused and planned to fight the council's bid to have the destruction ordered by a judge in court.
Daniel said his dog was "placid" and the attack was out of character. He would have it neutered and muzzled at all times to avoid its destruction.
(Fairfax NZ News - July 18, 2013)
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