My view is that it's usually irresponsible dog owners who get dogs of any breed a bad name. I'm a firm believer that any dog should never be outside the home unless it's on a lead or in a safe area in a park as one example. It's unreasonable to expect every dog never to be allowed off the lead, but owners must be responsible.
Personally, I think the numptys who just turf their dogs out of the house to run loose on the streets should be imprisoned and never allowed to keep animals again. These are the sort of owners whose dogs will tend to get with other dogs on the loose and then they run in packs: these dogs are the ones mostly likely to kill other animals, run out in front of cars and generally cause havoc.
I agree with contacting the police about these kinds of dogs. I agree with contacting the police if you see someone so drunk they can't be responsible for their dog - just don't blame the dog - it's the owners who are the problem.
On a personal note where Staffies are concerned as we have one - these dogs have acquired a reputation as aggressive dogs. They are generally not so with humans whom they love to be with. In fact, Staffies are so orientated to humans that they should never be without human contact for long as they get depressed, and I do mean depressed in a serious sense. That said, this breed needs to be recognised for what it is - a fighting breed. These dogs were bred at a time when dog-fighting was an acceptable sport. Thankfully, the human race has managed to move on from such an abhorrent view for the most part. However, the Staffie remains what it is and consequently, any responsible Staffie owner knows this and takes great care to make sure his or her Staffie is not put in situations where the dog has potential to attack. Which takes us back to my original point - it's the owners who are the problem not the dog.
Finally, this is my understanding of the law if you live in the UK. If you have your dog on a lead and someone else's dog not on a lead comes over and a fight ensues, then it is the owner of the dog not on a lead who is at fault and who can be prosecuted. My understanding is that, no matter what breed of dog you have, this stands, unless it's an unmuzzled greyhound which I think has to be muzzled in a public place. Does anyone know if this is correct?
Sorry this has turned into a bit of a rant!
Kath