LIHU'E, Kaua'i — The owner of a dog that killed a 17-month-old boy last year was sentenced yesterday to a $500 fine and six months probation after a plea agreement in which prosecutors recommended that punishment.

The dog was one of five that farmer Buenaventura "Ben" Ednilao, 59, of Lihu'e, kept chained for security near the border of his Moloa'a farm lot. Ednilao pleaded no contest to owning a dangerous dog.

The dog, a 40-pound beagle-mix, had not been involved in any biting incidents before Feb. 21, 2004, when Trusten Heart Liddle wandered away from his parents on their Moloa'a farm and into the range of the chained animal. His parents, Dove and Raven Liddle, found the child motionless, still being bitten on the face and body by the animal.

Police said there was no fence between the farms. There are no homes on the properties. The unneutered male dog was destroyed at Ednilao's request.

Kaua'i Humane Society officials said the dog displayed no hostile characteristics when brought to the society shelter. However, a police investigator said the animal appeared to attack the tires of passing cars, and he said the animal rushed him when he approached it.

Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com.