You would think that would be a logical route. But given the now known quality of life of that dog owner (if they really were his dogs) it's likely he has no insurance or anything of property value to garnish.
Looks like the guy is going to be tied up with other issues already.
Don't look forward to the hassle, but it looks i will be seeing legal aid. The question of the dog being put down is apparently in the council's and finally the court's hands.