I have a mixed opinion on this one.
If I was out for a nice ride, and was suddenly threatened and was consistently threatened for over 10 minutes by two dogs acting aggressively towards me, I wouldn't be willing to just 'let the matter go'.
Obviously they have threatened an intent to be violent, and that has to be rectified in some way.
I would setter for a court order on muzzling the dogs when outside family property, not death.
My dog Shanty has growled at my daughter before, so I know that any dog can show a display of violence, no matter how sweet and cute.
The thing is, the judge obviously thought that this was the beginning of a show of violent behavoir.
A THREAT to attack must be taken the same way as an ACTUAL attack, or next time they're out without their owners controlling them won't be so lucky.
Note, before the flame-war begins, I have not stated that it is right for them to die.
a tough restraining order on the dogs would be sufficient for me. Restraining order, as in order that they must be fully restrained from a situation in which they might conceivably attack a stranger.