After a lengthy investigation, a Melbourne council has ruled that a Staffy is allowed to live after killing another dog.
Hero was thrown into the spotlight and attracted international headlines when he bit and killed a dachshund named Coco.
The smaller dog was accidentally let out of the house before a walk in Parkenham, along with two other dogs, and they all raced up to Hero.
In a statement on behalf of his 'traumatised' wife who was walking Hero, husband Paki Harrison said: "My son and I were taking our dog for a walk up the hill near the lake; three dogs approached us from behind - two smaller dogs and one larger dog.
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"I pulled my dog away at the same time. My dog was on his lead with a harness. I looked around but there was no owner in sight, and I was worried for my son.
"I yelled and tried to signal for nearby help but there wasn't anyone. At this stage I couldn't keep the dogs away from my dogs or keep my son safe."
Grainy CCTV footage appears to corroborate Mrs Harrison's version of events, with loose dogs appearing to pursue her and Hero in the park.
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The incident was magnified when Coco's owner Kashila Chintamunnee, uploaded photos of the sickening situation on Facebook.
People were divided on the issue, with some saying the Staffy was leashed and just protecting his owner but others reckon the act should result in Hero being put down.
Ultimately, that latter option was up to Cardinia Shire Council. The council has finally confirmed the that 'no further action would be taken'.
"Council can confirm that in line with its legislative responsibilities under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 it has concluded a thorough investigation of the incident that occurred on Tuesday 5 November 2019 in Pakenham," a statement to 7NEWS.com.au said.
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"Council will take no further action as a result of the investigation into the incident."
Nearly 300,000 people signed a petition calling for Cardinia Shire Council to spare Hero and the organiser says this played a role in the Staffy's outcome.
Emma Mclean wrote: "The family Lawyer told us that the Petition had saved Hero and without it, we likely wouldn't of had this outcome. So every single one of you have made this possible!!!
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"THANK YOU for all the sharing you had done with the Petition and the sharing of our 'Save Hero' FB page that spread nothing but Love and Support to HERO and his Family. By doing both of these things, we flooded Facebook Pages WORLDWIDE and our voices were heard, heard on behalf of Hero who couldn't fend for himself.
"We can't express enough how thankful we are to each and every one of you... and the Harrison Family feel the same way. They are over the moon with all your messages, love, support & are forever grateful."
Featured Image Credit: Kashila Chintamunnee