There are no limits to how far some people will go to protect man's best friend.

A South Australian man has put his freedom and financial security on the line to protect the life of his dog, a Staffordshire terrier cross named Max, media reports said on Friday.

Ronnie Gilbertson has abandoned his partner and two young children and gone into hiding since breaking Max out of an animal shelter's "death row" last week, News Limited and the ABC reported.

Max was to be destroyed by Grant District Council, in the state's south-east, for mauling sheep and other dogs.

Mr Gilbertson, 41, had tried to have the SA District Court overturn the council's decision, but failed.

The council has since launched court proceedings seeking to have Mr Gilbertson pay the costs associated with defending the failed appeal.

He could face a bill of more than $20,000.

Mr Gilbertson contacted police this week indicating he was preparing to surrender but has yet to do so.