When it returned to the owner he appeared to destroy the dog with no regard for those who witnessed his actions or the animal itself without checking to see if the child was hurt.

1. it doesn't sound like the welfare of the child was on his mind
2. i don't think the report states that he rescued the child
3. a responsible owner wouldn't have given the dog a chance to bite the child if he really cared

so really the excuse that he was defending/saving the child doesnt really work IMHO