Although I do not agree that the guy should have ordered the dogs to attack I do not see much difference to that than cops sending in attack dogs against an armed citizen holed up in a building. If it is not cruelty for the cops to do it then it should not be cruelty for a citizen to do it. Criminal assault yes, cruelty no.
I hate to see animals get stuck in the middle of someone else's fight. I think it is cruelty to use your pet as a shield, to the detriment of that animal. Police dogs are trained (though that training can't possibly teach them how to react out of a desire to survive).
BTW...good to see you, hope to see you in a few months in SA if I am able to make it. :)