A "much-loved family pet" who bit a man's calf will be destroyed, after its owner's pleas for mercy were rejected.
The Court of Appeal today dismissed an appeal by Kenneth Ernest McClintock against a court order to destroy his dog Scoobie - an Australian cattle dog cross.
The judgment states Scoobie had been classified since 2010 as a dangerous dog, meaning he must be kept in a secure area or muzzled and on a lead.
Scoobie had been left in a van outside Mr McClintock's place of work in Taupo with the door open. He got out and bit a Mr Rean on the calf as he walked past.
Mr McClintock pleaded guilty to failing to comply with classification as a dangerous dog and being the owner of a dog that attacks someone. Both charges require the court to make an order for destruction of the dog unless there are exceptional circumstances.