In the UK we are in the fortunate position of (currently) not having a rabies problem. Which means even if someone is bitten by a dog they generally don't have to go through the rather painful experience of rabies injections. So for us, a dog bite (depending on actual tissue damage) is not necessarily the scary thing it can be in other countries.

That aside, I don't think a ban is necessary, but is does depend on the organisers willingness/ability to police these things.

My personal reasoning is that you get dogs in most public places, festivals meerly concentrate their numbers a bit. It's common sense to teach your children not to pat strange dogs without asking the owner and teaching them basic things like not grinning (as Liz said). But it's also common sense that you train your dog to a minimum standard. It gives the dog security in knowing who's in charge in any situation, for a start. Unfortunately there are those (as with children) who seem neither capable or bothered enough to do this.

I think those people should be addressed. If it is made clear by the organisers, at point of ticket purchase, that highly anitsocial or violent behaviour is not brooked and the offenders (and keepers by default) will be invited to leave the festival, then I don't see the problem. If organisers stick to the policy, maybe those who think of their dogs (or kids for that matter) as accessories rather than responsibilities will either leave the dogs at home or not come at all.

Leaving the rest of us (well cared for dogs and kids too) to enjoy ourselves.