Aggressive pit bull in the neighborhood

There's a house about a block away from where I live and the owner breeds pitbulls. About two years ago, one of them got out and attacked one dog, resulting in a punctured ear; and mauled a small dog, resulting in $5,000 in vet bills. The offending dindu ruffin was euthanized, the owner got off lightly only having to pay a fraction of the vet bills, and was ordered to not own any dogs on the property for a year.

A year has passed, and the dog pound has returned.

Saturday I was walking my dog, a large hound, and we passed by their yard. The pits ran the fence and barked as normal, except this time one smashed through a fence board and lunged at us, its head fully exposed as it worked to get out. Luckily it was too big and we quickly went on our way. There was a brief moment where I realized I would have to fight a pit bull, and while I am not a small man, it's not something I would want to do.

I guess I'm just venting because it seems not much can be done other than just waiting for one to get free and attack again, this time it could be a child, a woman, or an elderly person. My neighborhood is flush with people walking, biking, etc.

My wife won't be walking the dog anymore until I get her some bear mace. As for me, I'll be carrying something with a bit more bang. Also our walking route will be altered to avoid this house.

Just a damn shame in this nice neighborhood you have to arm up to walk your dog.