Staffordshire terrier cross is sometimes a euphemism for a pit bull

An Australian man who freed his dog from an animal pound's "death row" and then went on the run has offered to surrender, police say.

Ron Gilbertson's dog, Max, was going to be put down for mauling sheep.

Mr Gilbertson went to say goodbye to Max last week, but instead cut the dog from his cage and fled, leaving his wife and two children.

Police in South Australia say the renegade pair were located after a search and were prepared to surrender.

"We have found out where he is and he will come in within the next few days to surrender to charges," Andy Stott of Mount Gambier police said.

Mr Gilbertson faces charges of damaging property and removing a seized dog.

He could also face a large bill for legal costs related to his earlier court attempt to overturn the decision to destroy Max, a Staffordshire terrier cross.