I don't own a dog,but I think most dogs like a hug,it was probably just the fact that this was a small child(don't have one of those either
)and he was trying to kiss the dog on the mouth,maybe the dog thought he was going to bite him.
I know,it's no joking matter for the poor little boy,but hopefully parents and dog-owners have learned some lessons from stories like this.
I am hoping Bandit will go to an adult home and not be put down,we'll see today.