Toddler's family forgive dog-owner

Thames toddler Alex Josey has met the owner of the dog that attacked him - and he gave the man a big hug.

Alex's mother, Arlene Hutton, says the 2 1/2-year-old was trying to climb all over Wayne Hati when they met at a restorative justice conference a fortnight ago.

Under tough new dog laws, Hati faced a three-year jail term or a $20,000 fine.

But when he appeared in the Thames District Court, Judge Neil McLean spoke of Hati's genuine remorse and the success of the restorative justice conference.

Hati was ordered to pay $5500 in reparation to Alex's family and sentenced to 150 hours of community work.

The dog has been destroyed.