What troubles me most about this whole thing is the lack of humane concern for the welfare of the family: from what I understand from glossing the stories is that there was no effort made--both to curb liability and to express genuine campassion--to make things right.
I think it would have been prudent to have an ambulance called to the scene to assess the physical and emotional status of the family; I'd have had a DPW unit, or a dog officer, respond to transport the animal; I'd have gone a long way in making sure these folks were provided access to any and all services necessary for their comfort. Heck, I'd have called a minister for 'em and put 'em up at my home. Then I'd call the freekin' mayor to make sure the whole town turned out for the doggie's funeral: police honor guard and all. Call it compassion and taxpayer-protection.
In sum, a whole lot could have been done that was apparently overlooked.