Woman attacked by dog, after the dog bit her young niece

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/stephen-littler-dog-bite-court-9885326

I can only go by what the article says, but this seems quite black-and-white to me. The owner of the dog is at fault. First of all, why on Earth would he allow a small child to answer the door? Secondly, why was this small child allowed to answer the door when a large dog had direct access to the front door, allowing him to escape? Thirdly, why was the dog unaccompanied in a public place? I understand that sometimes dogs can escape, but in that case, the owner should take full responsibility for anything that happens as a result.

What annoys me most (aside from two people being injured) is that this man has probably done a lot of damage to the reputation of GSDs. Every GSD I've ever met has been absolutely lovely, but it doesn't take much to tarnish a breed's reputation, as I'm sure anybody with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier (again, lovely dogs) will know.

For whatever reason, the dog felt the need to pursue the woman. Maybe protecting his property/the little girl? Self defence if he felt threatened? I don't know, but I really don't see how the owner can excuse this. I can completely understand any dog feeling the need to protect a child from a perceived threat, but the first incident occurred outside of the home, with the dog clearly out of control and unaccompanied.

I really do hope that the woman and her niece are alright, and that this dog isn't put to sleep because of this.

Sorry for the rant!