[DavidG]

Originally posted by Tigbit:
Sorry, DavidG but it looks like you've still missed the main issue of the parent knowingly sending his child into a dangerous situation. Yes all possible precaution must be taken by owners of nasty animals but it is still the job of the parent to instill a healthy sense of self-preservation. Agreed?

Agreed. I don't think there is any doubt that the parent was an idiot (Assuming all the assumtions we've made here are true. ie he didn't know the dog, (maybe he did and it was friendly to him) and he could read English, the sign was clearly posted etc)
The parent certainly should not be able to turn this into some kind of lottery win for himself.