Fray i live in a rural area as well - I run through a provincial park a few times a week and I encounter a lot of loose dogs. I like dogs and have never had an issue because it's quiet there in the mornings and there is a kind of understanding since most people here have dogs. I get what you are saying. I think most posters here are thinking about in the city/suburbs where the population density is much higher and leash laws are really necessary.
I do wish dog owners had to be licensed. I hate how cavalier people can be with their dogs. But you report it. You don't attack a dog. It is nonsensical to lash out hoping to not be bitten - you are asking for that to happen if you kick a dog.
My take on this whole thread is it's nothing more than an example of differing perceptions between people in rural communities vs more urban centres. I am sure country of origin plays a part just due to sheer density of populations, as you had also pointed out.
It seems to me most small town people are more on the relaxed side of things probably due to us not only having so fucking much wide open land all around us, but also our awareness of the wildlife around us too. There is a comfort level all the space affords us.
Now on the flip side a dog off leash walking through a city centre in say Toronto, Montreal... or I dunno New York or something would probably be a bigger concern and probably for good reason. I could imagine in that scenario an off leash dog has the potential to create a lot of chaos out of fear, excitement, being overwhelmed or more likely, other humans not knowing how to approach a dog. Hell my dog is obedient I can - and have -literally put a steak in front of her, told her to stay and left the room and she will not eat it until I give the command. Even knowing that she is the goodest girl ever (I'm not wrong, fight me!) I would never dream of bringing her into that environment off leash - Not at all implying you would btw, just speaking to explain my point.
I guess what I am trying to say is I believe this thread, all the dissenting opinions, shit even the hostility that has been displayed just underlines a difference in opinion people have and hold due to the areas they live. I don't actually think anybody is wrong at all, except for when people emotions have gotten the best of them. It's just people are situationally different.
Fuck this is the longest post I have ever written on this site and I have been a member for years, Haha. I am sure I rambled my ass off.
Tl;dr - Dogs off leash in rural areas: good.
Dogs off leash in urban areas: bad.