A Sarasota judge has declared a Florida law that mandates euthanasia for dogs that cause severe injury to people to be unconstitutional.

As a result of Judge Andrew Owens' ruling, Padi, a 4-year-old male Labrador mix, will not be euthanized.

Padi became famous after he bit a child's ear in June, when the child and his babysitter were visiting the veterinary clinic owned by Paul Gartenberg, Padi's owner.

Witnesses said that Padi had gone into a corner of an office to get away from the child, but their reports diverged when it came to identifying the aggressor.

The injury was considered severe, requiring stitches and reconstructive surgery. As a result, Florida law required Padi be euthanized.

Gartenberg fought the ruling, and the case went to court. On Monday, Owens declared the law unconstitutional, sparing Padi's life.

