Judge rules dog bite law unconstitutional, dog lives Copyright by WFLA - All rights reserved File photo: Padi with his owner, veterinarian Paul Gartenberg. [ + - ] Video

WFLA web staff - MANATEE COUNTY, FL (WFLA) - After a six-month ordeal, Padi the dog has been set free. This comes after a circuit court judge ruled the Florida dog bite law unconstitutional.

This comes after a circuit court judge ruled the Florida dog bite law unconstitutional. Back in June, Padi attacked a 4-year-old boy inside the office of his owner, veterinarian Dr. Paul Gartenberg. The dog bit off part of the boy's ear. Witnesses argued the attack was provoked, but it didn't matter. Under Florida law, Padi had to be euthanized. A lengthy and expensive legal battle ensued, and ultimately Circuit Court Judge Andrew Owens declared the dog bite law unconstitutional.

Copyright by WFLA - All rights reserved Padi with his owner, veterinarian Paul Gartenberg, file photo

Copyright by WFLA - All rights reserved Padi with his owner, veterinarian Paul Gartenberg, file photo

Dr. Gartenberg said, "It was great relief, I had to believe in my heart that ultimately this was going to end well for Padi, but until you get that final ruling you don't know. We're hoping things are going to change in Manatee county."

Manatee county Commissioner Carol Whitmore is thrilled with the ruling. Whitmore said, "Common sense finally prevailed."

She says the county attorney and county staff can now have clear authority while deciding over dog bite cases.

"This gives everybody in the state of Florida, every county, the same information on how we interpret these types of cases," Whitmore said.

Dr. Gartenberg says he couldn't have reached this milestone without a little help.

"I've gotten emails from Beijing, China and South Africa and Australia," he said. "I had no idea the power of social media, and what it could do."

It was a global effort to save one dog, and possibly countless others.

Next month, three county commissioners are going to Tallahassee in support of 'Padi's law', a bill that would change the writing of the current dog bite laws.

In the meantime, Dr. Gartenberg's court appearances aren't finished. The family of the little boy is suing him for monetary damages. The family's attorney told 8 On Your Side that it took numerous surgeries to repair the boy's ear.