Hey, we can agree to disagree about whether MV deserve a second chance or not, but really, his kids could just be told "No, you cannot have a dog. When you are a grown-up, and have your own place to live, then you can get whatever dog you want. You just cannot have one now."

I don't know how old his children are, but I am sure they will, sooner or later, learn of what he did. Better they hear it from him, now, and know that his former behavior is the reason they cannot have a dog now, than they find out from some schoolmate in a hateful way. It could be a lesson in actions having consequences, if handled correctly. But he should never, ever be allowed the privilege of owning a dog again.