Owner of pitbull escapes charge over infant attack

The owner of a Pitbull that savagely attacked a two-year-old boy in West Auckland will not be charged.

The toddler was attacked by his father's dog at their Te Atatu home, and suffered a broken jaw and severe facial injuries.

Police say they were going to charge the father because he did not want to release the dog, but after he agreed to have it destroyed they decided he had enough to deal with.

A Starship Hospital spokeswoman says the toddler is off the critical list and improving, but has a long way to go to recovery.

- NEWSTALK ZB