The Wanganui District Council says a prosecution won't be possible over a dog attack in September on a seven-year-old boy, who was bitten through the lip.
The council has impounded two dogs that the boy, Brendan Rei, thought could have been involved in the attack.
But the council says the incident was traumatic for the child, who has been unable to confirm which dog was involved and there is not enough evidence to prosecute the owner of any dog.
Council chief executive Kevin Ross says staff destroyed one of the animals after its behaviour led them to classify it as dangerous.
