Dog attack toddler out of intensive care

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An Ashburton toddler who was bitten in the throat by a savage dog attack is out of intensive care and expected to make a full recovery.

The three-year-old boy was bitten in the throat by a relative's Doberman Staffordshire bull terrier cross on January 18.

It is understood the dog lunged at the boy's throat while he was eating a chocolate.

He was transferred from Christchurch Hospital to Auckland's Starship Hospital so he could receive specialist paediatric intensive care attention after the attack.

His parents today released a statement giving thanks for the support they have received from New Zealanders.

They were "thrilled" to report their son had been out of intensive care at Starship Hospital for a few days and was recovering well.

"He has had lots of surgery so far and there is a long way to go but we're feeling really optimistic that he'll make a full recovery."

"In particular we would like to say thanks to a little girl from Mt Eden called Phoebe, aged 4, who sent our boy a lovely card telling him to get better soon. The card didn't have a return address but we were really touched by it so thank you, Phoebe."

A police investigation into the dog attack has concluded, with no charges laid.

The dog's owners cooperated with local animal control officers and the animal was put down.