A canine behaviourist says on first appearances a husky whose owner is fighting to keep from being put down looks like a perfectly good boy.
Aspen the husky is alleged to have gotten away from his owner during a walk and chased a guinea pig named Bert, who later died from what is believed to be shock.
The dog has since been labelled a "menacing" dog by Auckland Council and owner Alexandra Johnston is fighting the decision, which could see the dog being destroyed.
An emotional Johnston told The AM Show on Thursday Aspen is an important part of the family.
"He's the one I talk to around the house doing things, and he's stopped me doing some silly things," said Johnston, fighting back tears.
The owner of the guinea pig has said they don't want Aspen to be destroyed and that decision was up to the council, NZME reported. Johnston said they have tried to rectify the situation but to no avail.
Canine behaviourist Darran Rowe said Auckland Council needs to look at every aspect before deciding Aspen's fate.
"Look at all the circumstances - I don't believe this is a dog that's going to kill everything that moves," he told The AM Show.
"I'd say keep fighting, definitely; try and get as much support as you can - this happens a lot - a lot more than you'd probably realise.
"I think dog control does a good job - but there's a situation where you've got the death penalty - there's got to be some kind of leeway."
In a statement to Newshub, Auckland Council manager of animal management Sarah Anderson said it couldn't go into any detail on the case as it was before the courts.
"Our animal management staff take a graduated response starting with trying to educate owners and working with them to ensure they’re keeping their dogs, other animals, and people safe. We only take more serious action as a last resort.
"We work with dog owners and can offer advice and help but we also need to be fair to all animal owners, and make sure Auckland is a safe place for everyone."
Johnston, meanwhile, is pleading for commonsense.
"It has to be bigger than Aspen's life alone because I'm not the only owner that's being put in this situation," she said.
