A golden retriever that made Hong Kong headlines for attacking its owner may be spared death thanks to an Internet campaign by dog lovers.

Ah Gam, an 11-year-old male golden retriever, bit his owner, surnamed Wong, on the arm Friday night when being punished for urinating in the corridor.

Witnesses said that five neighbors were unable to pull the dog off. Wong had to be hospitalized, with flesh the size of a fist torn off his arm.

Wong's family reluctantly decided to give the dog up because of neighbors' concerns.

Since Ah Gam would most likely be put to death in the animal shelter, Hong Kong dog lovers launched an online campaign to save him.

A woman surnamed Lee, who keeps more than 10 dogs in her village house, has offered to adopt Ah Gam. Wong's family expressed relief, saying they would visit Ah Gam at his new home.