A Nova Scotia Supreme Court ruling Friday saved the life of a Halifax dog named Brindi, making the dog's owner very happy, but leaving the city having to redraft its animal control bylaw.

The court ruled that the decision on whether an animal lives or dies should not be made by an animal control officer if it's a non-emergency situation, and the animal's owner must be given a chance to be heard before it is destroyed.

"I'm interested very much in getting to see my dog, bringing her some steak and spend some time with her," said Francesca Rogier, of East Chezzetcook, N.S.

But, she said, she won't be allowed to bring Brindi, a five-year-old mixed breed, home for a couple of days.

According to court documents, another pet owner complained about Brindi to the city's animal services department before the dog was seized in July. Brindi was already under a muzzle order at the time of the complaint.

On the day of the complaint, Rogier said, the dog took off before she could get the muzzle on. She said she accepts the blame for her dog's bad behaviour.

The city's review of its animal control bylaw will be ready by the end of the week, said spokeswoman Deborah Storey.

She said changes will only affect the section of the bylaw dealing with non-emergency situations.

In emergencies, the final decision will still be made by an animal control officer, she said.

With files from the Canadian Press