The two year-old suffered extensive facial injuries after the “freak accident”, which occurred at 8.15pm on Wednesday night.
The toddler was rushed to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, where he underwent emergency reconstruction surgery on Thursday. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
His distraught parents, Reme Keightley, 30, and Dean Oliver, a builder, who maintained a bedside vigil, were said to be "absolutely devastated" by the incident. They declined to comment.
Relatives described Lewis as a “brave little soldier" who was sitting up watching television and eating in hospital. Surgeons, however, warned he is likely going to be left with extensive scarring.
His parents, who also have a 13-year-old daughter, Chelsee, voluntarily handed Kona to police and the dog, which is not a dangerous breed, was immediately destroyed.
Their second Akita pet dog, Patchie, is now expected to be sent to a new home. Police said no arrests were made and charges are not expected.
Experts, however, called for the dog laws to change in light of the attack because the breed is prone to erratic behaviour and occasional violence. Japanese Akitas are not banned under the Dangerous Dog Act.
Signs warning that "Danger Dogs Loose" and another saying "Watch Out Rottweilers About" were visible at their semi-detached home. Neighbours said the dogs had never been aggressive previously.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Lewis's great aunt, Jane Keightley, from Hailsham, said the dog attacked him “on the side of the mouth” after it appeared to have “snapped”.
"We are all devastated at what has happened but relieved Lewis is alive and doing well, considering,” she said.
"He was bitten in the cheek and a flap of skin was hanging open and he was bitten on the arm. It sounds like the dog went for him while he was patting him.
"They have had the dogs since they were puppies, before Lewis was born, and they have always played beautifully with the children.”
She added: “They were used to them and have never shown any violence or aggression so we don't understand what happened.
"This was just a freak incident. Kona has been with Lewis since he was born. Lewis plays with him and pats him and pulls at him and he is always fine. He is normally not like this at all. It is horrible.”
"He's a little trooper. He'll pull through. Both Dean and Reme are completely distraught.”
Inspector Tony Wakefield, of Sussex Police, said: "Although this was clearly a traumatic incident for the child and his family, this appears to be an isolated incident which occurred within the family home.
"The family voluntarily agreed for the dog, which had not previously shown any aggression towards the family or the public, to be destroyed immediately."
(Telegraph - January 20, 2011)
