I agree with many points in this discussion. Sitting here behind the keyboard my view is this. Everyone has a right to be safe from harm. Me, you, the dog, the bee, the snail, etc. I try my best not to harm other things. I do not seek out conflict. I try to diffuse situations, not escalate them. If something tries to harm me or my children, my dogs, or really anyone wrongly, I feel it is not only my right but my duty to immediately deal with that with overwhelming force. I am not talking social violence where someone yells at me or threatens or barks, hisses...whatever. I mean asocial violence where harm is imminent or occurred, i.e. being physically attacked with violence, threatening death, pointing weapons, swinging fist, chomping teeth, etc. That is my line. Cross it, there will be blood. I do not believe that to be unfair, mean spirited, or unrighteous.
I also agree with animal control being called. These owners are not thinking clearly if this is the way they allow their dog to behave and they need an incentive to correct the problem. It seems as if human decency isn't quite enough for them.
I feel bad for all the victims, including the dog. Not really it's fault it got such lousy human training and influence. And no one should have to deal with an aggressive neighbor 4 or 2 legged.
Ray