People sent hundreds of letters to the Dunedin District Court trying to save Basil's life. Basil's story was on national television and many people felt that Basil should not be killed. Judge John MacDonald letter said that basil should be sent to an animal trainer instead.
Basil's owner, Sara Canning was very happy that her dog would be
allowed to live although she had to pay a fine of NZ$200 (about 3,400 bath) and court costs.
(Bangkok post; september 14,1995)