>no owners on site... not fighting dogs, but possibly in training (based on....?),
From talking to people in work who live in the area where the attack happened it would seem that the dogs probably escpaed from a house or garden. Stray and latch-key dogs are by no means a rarity in the area where this happened and the sight of a couple of dogs roaming the streets would not cause so much as a raised eye brow.
Pit bulls and their crosses are very common here. I regularly see a couple of nice ones out on walks (they are always kept on lead and the owners keep themselves to themselves). There is also known to be a lot of dog-fighting going on (Paramilitary types have to have some sort of 'hobby' now that the Troubles are over :rolleyes: :( ). In January, 3 properties were raided and over 120 dogs removed (mostly bull breeds, Rotties and terriers). One of the properties turned out to be a training ground for dog fighting. Several of the dogs were identified as Pit-bulls and were PTS immediately. Some of the other dogs had been stolen and a few have been reunited with their owners. The rest are in the care of the USPCA and rescue centres across N.Ireland.
Belfast is not a city where you 'grass' on someone lightly. Chances are local people do know who owns these dogs but are far too attached to their kneecaps to dare inform the authorities :(