I can mostly tell what a dog is saying, the two wrestling under my feet now are telling me to turn off the PC.
Staring at a truly dangerous dog is unwise I look at a place above its eyes and shout while advancing a step.
But still, one day that could be my last act.
In truth most dogs like me and are no threat.
I can not find links to a child's death in this state.
Council knew the dogs had been reported but never acted, council I think lost a court case.
An elderly lady very badly hurt comes to mind.
It is true, without doubt, some breeds will be banned or tightly controlled, because more deaths are coming.

Dear Belly,
What a tragedy this dog attack was, poor people coming to start a decent life in the land of opportunities. I was understanding that certain breeds of dog are forbidden to be kept, must be wrong I guess.
Our two dogs (smaller breeds, house dogs) are our best friends, I reckon that dogs are like kids, bring them up in a loving environment and they will do no harm. (I still prefer my pets to some of the dubious people I have met in my life.).
Enjoy your evening with your furry friend(s).
NSB

Belly:

...Glad to see you have not left the scene: Don’t take anything said here on OLO too seriously. But on with the subject; I agree with your precept of not taking your eyes off the dog that wants to advance. There is a truism I have oft proved in the past, IE; never take your eyes off a shark, and never look a crocodile in the eyes: Two fundamentals of self-preservation in the wild!

Just came across this, published by Kidsafe Qld.

http://www.gtp.com.au/kidsafeqld/inewsfiles/inews.2773.1.pdf

It says:
"Safety Tips
These are some tips to reduce the chances of a
child in your care being bitten or injured by a dog:
- Always ask permission from the owner before
slowly approaching an unfamiliar dog.
- Curl your fingers and allow the dog to sniff the
back of your hand
-Stroke the dog gently on the chest, shoulder or
under the chin
- Avoid approaching dogs that are sleeping or
eating
- Stand still like a fence post if approached by a
strange dog and don’t squeal or jump
- Avoid eye contact with the dog by looking at
your own feet
- Don’t disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or
caring for puppies"

Excellent advice and pretty much exactly what I've taught my kids.

Diver Dan thanks, in truth it is my weakness that lets me take the hook down in my gut.
And react worse than the fisher man by leaving in a sulk.
All good stuff Anti and it is worth taking note.
I also, totally, understand the part fear and strangeness, both of the dog in this case and the people for the dog.
But just how did this dog leave its yard,why did it live in suburbia.
We can not speculate on what conditions existed between dogs owner and the victims.
But dog owners understand, that matters.
Here in my home,2002 I bought and moved in.
A neighbor and I fell out, its ok now, he turned his dog, a Kelpies into a hate machine.
Every time it saw me it went for me mad as a hater.
Took my wheely bin for a walk, mattock handle in side.
Dog, left fast,owner too, dog found new home owner new dog, if I had been defenseless Child.
Or eighty years old.
My mates, my dogs ever bite any one they go to doggy heaven.
Only way I want them to defend me is by letting me know I have visitors before they lick them to death.
PS, never been game to take a bone from them.

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/woman-77-in-latest-dog-attack-20110823-1j824.html
It seems only yesterday that this was the breed Australians feared the most.
Some how we took our freedom to import new breeds[to Australia they are new] and in the hands of some the problem grew.
We need to put our selves in the place of this lady in her back yard.
Maybe the dogs came from her home? not sure.
But it looks clear we will see government intervention.