I am glad Teddy, Lola, and you are okay. This topic is at the top of my list of frustrations. To answer your question: no, it is not really safe to walk with your dogs anywhere anymore. It is like swimming in the ocean, waiting for Jaws to appear.
I am also sorry that the two people in your two encounters said such things to you. Hoping your email to the husband has some impact. Glad you reported to Animal Control too.
We no longer walk in our neighborhood. I drew the line at the loose 200 pound Cane Corso. We drive 6 miles every night to go to an office park with restaurants and hotels to walk.
There is another member here whose little dog was mauled and the judge in the court case told her that is the risk you take having a small dog.