I took my dog to a festival for the first time last weekend. I was only there for the day - any longer festivals I attended this summer, I made alternative arrangements for her.

It was all outdoors, so no need to go inside marquees for concerts. From the general response of people there (I never got further than about 5 feet before someone came up to ask about her, or stroke her), a lot of people seem to like dogs at festivals. She's quite small, so fairly unobtrusive. There were some excessively "friendly" children wanting to pull her ears and tail a lot, and a few over-refreshed individuals who wanted to lavish upon her all their booze-fuelled affection. But she stood it all with great dignity.

I think there are good, responsible dog owners just like there are good, responsible parents. Then there are people who are not really in control of their dog/child, and allow them to become a public nuisance. And usually they don't really care.

It's a pity when the former are punished for the irresponsible attitude of the latter. But sometimes, I admit, it's necessary.