First off, a declaration of interest; I have two terriers, bred to work (i.e. chase and kill things). They are generally very well behaved and obedient and both have attended obedience classes and have won awards. I don't trust their instincts in some situations, especially when there is something to chase. Therefore, I don't take them to festivals. (I did once, and when a morris dancer dropped a stick, Olly the Jack Russell thought we were playing 'fetch the stick'! Getting him to give it back was tricky...)

There are lots of dogs at most festivals I attend, and the majority are well behaved and friendly. Some owners are irresponsible and allow their dogs to run around not under control, and I condemn this as much as anyone.

The problem I have is that banning, or even segregating dogs leads to something that is becoming an increasing problem in todays world. We are becoming overprotective to the point where some basic freedoms are under threat, and certain aspects of life are demonised as a result. For example; the furore over 'hoodies' has led to a hysterical condemnation of 'the youth of today' in many quarters, despite strong evidence to suggest that most young people are moral, responsible and well-behaved. So it seems to be with dogs. The actual risk of harm from dog attacks or dog-transmitted disease is miniscule (despite the occurrences documented here) compared to that from poor diet, smoking, alcohol, drugs or motoring. Yet many of us indulge in some or all of these activities without calling for action to prevent risk, or even modifying our own behaviour much. The reason; we feel the risk, though known, is either acceptable or expedient.

The key here is the level of risk; it's very, very low, and certainly doesn't justify the knee-jerk reaction of bans or segregation. It is manifestly unfair to punish the responsible owners and well behaved dogs because of the actions of a few people who don't know how to control and train their dogs. Deal harshly with the irresponsible owners by all means.

Some people are afraid of dogs in general. I was, until I owned one. I was bitten as a child, and for many years worried whenever dogs were around. A kind relative helped me over this by showing me how to behave when dogs were around, and introducing me gently to her many dogs. She showed me how a fear of dogs actually increases the risk, as the dog senses a less dominant individual and the pack discipline mentality means that the dog asserts itself more.

Dogs are a fact of life; no-one is going to ban them from our society, so the rational approach seems to be to adapt to that situation, rather than persisting in trying to adapt the world to one's own particular views. Assess the risk, and take proportionate, targeted and reasonable action. Anyone who has a dog that bites someone should have the dog confiscated and be banned sine die from keeping a dog. NO ifs, no buts, no maybes. A dog license should be reintroduced, and there should be a test of fitness/competence before an owner is permitted to own a dog. Such a license should be subject to review and revocation, exactly as a driving license is. As for dog shit; no excuse for not picking it up and disposing of it hygienically.
Tim