A banished dog has been granted a reprieve to stay with his family in a Mosgiel state house.
Housing New Zealand (HNZ) overturned its ban on the dog after the family's doctor wrote a letter on Wednesday outlining the emotional impact of the ban on 6-year-old Jay, who has severe visual impairment.
Rebeccah Kennedy, of Mosgiel, said she was relieved HNZ had changed its mind to allow her son and his companion, Max, a bull mastiff-Staffordshire bull terrier cross, to live together.
Ms Kennedy said she bought Max in 2009 to be a companion for her son and the family doctor detailed how her son's health deteriorated since the boy and dog had been apart.
The doctor wrote: ''Since the dog has been removed from the family home there has been a direct negative correlation in Jay's behaviour at home and school, such that he has become unsettled and disruptive.
"The stress of the situation is causing him undue, unnecessary psychological trauma, which presents as anger and frustration. It is having a negative impact on his ability to cope with his ongoing and permanent visual impairment.''
Ms Kennedy said after her partner lost his job, the family applied for a state home in September last year and moved into the Mosgiel state home four months ago.
On applying in September last year, Max would have been allowed under HNZ policy to stay but, when a home became available, a policy change had banned dogs. Max has been living with foster families while Ms Kennedy battles for his return.
HNZ area manager Kate Milton said HNZ had attempted to find a workable solution with Ms Kennedy.
''It is unfortunate Rebeccah took almost four months to provide the medical information we asked for.
''We had discussed with Rebeccah back in August that we would consider giving her approval to have a dog if she could provide the relevant medical information.
Ms Milton said the approval was subject to Dunedin City Council staff inspecting the property and deeming it appropriate for a dog.
''This will ensure the dog is secure at all times on the property and protect neighbours and others.''
HNZ does not allow its tenants to have dogs but tenants can gain approval for a dog, if they have special needs and require a dog for mobility assistance or companionship.
HNZ and Ms Kennedy disputed whether or not Max's existence was declared before the tenancy agreement was signed.
Ms Kennedy said she would wait for the council to approve the property for having a dog before telling Jay the good news about Max coming home.
