LIHU'E, Kaua'i — The owner of a beagle-Labrador mix that killed a 17-month-old child last year pleaded no contest Wednesday to owning a dangerous dog, and prosecutors will recommend a $500 fine with no jail time.

Farmer Buenaventura "Ben" Ednilao, 59, of Lihu'e, kept several dogs chained for security near the border of his Moloa'a farm lot, where he grew papayas and bananas. The farm is adjacent to a farm operated by the parents of young Trusten Heart Liddle.

The child apparently wandered unnoticed away from his parents on Feb. 21, 2004, and into the range of the dog. The family found him motionless, being bitten on the face and body by the still-chained dog.

The animal, an unneutered male that reportedly had not previously bitten anyone, was destroyed. Ednilao's sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 20.