I think it was the pro-tennis player William Norris( or Norris William? I always screw up on the poor guy's name. Sorry ). Anyway, I know he busted down a door to free a trapped passenger, who'd (somehow) became locked in their cabin. A White Star officer who'd seen it told him "that White Star Line property" and how "you'll pay for the damages".

Funny, eh? Having to pay for damages on a sinking ship? If it were me, I'd probably would've done one of three things.
I'd -

*Laugh right in his face (that's my sence of humor for you)
*Scream "Shut up!" (like Jack and Rose did in the movie)
*Punch his lights out (mainly, if he becomes a pest about it)

But back to the dogs, I think it's good they got out and had a chance for survival. Hey, it's better than drowning in the kennels.