Nothing can replace the two-year-old boy or ease the pain of his loss, but the tragedy has again revealed the caring nature of country communities.

According to mayor Lindsay Renwick, the tight-knit community has rallied around Deeon's family and supported them through their grief.

"All I can say is it's a testament to a small town - we all share the grief," Councillor Renwick said.

Less than a month after Deeon's death, Deniliquin supported a charity auction to raise money for Deeon's family and for the Deniliquin Hospital.

Cr Renwick said the support for the Higgins family has continued throughout the year.

"We all feel for the family, they are a lovely family," the mayor said.

Deeon died on August 4 last year.

He was at his grandmother Joyce's house that day and ventured into the backyard where a mastiff cross named Kingston - owned by Deeon's cousin Darren Higgins - was.

For some reason, Kingston attacked Deeon.

Kingston was registered and was not considered a dangerous breed.

Darren Higgins was charged by way of summons with being the owner of an attacking dog, the only offence that was open to police.

He pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and was fined $1000.

Authorities decided not to hold an inquest into Deeon's death because sweeping changes to dog laws were already before parliament that dealt with the type of issues an inquest would cover.

The state government late last year passed the Companion Animals Amendment Bill.

"Clearly, we care deeply about our pets and want the best for them," the Minister for Local Government Don Page said in parliament during a second reading of the Bill.

"But at the same time, people are rightly horrified and outraged when there are dog attacks resulting in serious injury or death.

"Sadly, we have heard recently of the death of little Deeon Higgins in Deniliquin and of the savage attack on Rob Nelson as he jogged through the streets of Sydney."

The amendments included massive increases in fines and jail terms for people who own dogs that attack or menace people.

Councils were also given the power to seize animals immediately, where previously they had to give a week's notice.

New offences were introduced.

It is now an offence if a dog rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses or chases any person or animal as a result of a reckless act or omission by the owner.