Sabiabella - I have no arguments with you at all. I would never mistreat an animal nor would I allow my children to do so. Both my kids love animals and treat then with kindness but also with a healthy respect.
Where I take issue with you is this - try telling a poor child that's had its little face disfigured by a dog attack that animals will never harm humans - it's just not true.
Attacks on humans - especially children are common in the west by breeds of dogs that just should not be allowed to live in built up areas. I'm referring to pit bull terriers, dobermans and the like. I even recall my mother had a small mixed breed dog that used to attack anyone that came near it. I had to keep my kids from visiting her because of this.
Some of the attacks on children may be the result of a deluded self defence mechanism in the dog's brain I will admit - BUT - there are plenty of documented cases where dogs have turned on their owners and children for no apparent reason. My theory is that all pet carniverous animals have a supressed killing instinct and in some the instinct simply comes to the fore - and the consequences are tragic.