Policy on Animal Control

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History

  • Policy Number: FA.30.002
  • Version: Revision 1
  • Drafted By: John Reid
  • Approved By: Erika D. Beck 
  • Approval Date: 10/17/2016
  • Effective Date: 10/17/2016
  • Supersedes: 

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to protect the University community from hazards associated with or caused by animals, both domestic and wild. The University recognizes that owners of domestic and service animals bring their animals to the campus and that wild or feral animals often select the campus grounds as their habitat.

This policy is intended to optimize the safety and health of students, faculty, staff and visitors as it relates to animals on University property

Background

California Code of Regulation, Title V Article 9 section 42353.1, Bicycles, Skateboards, Roller Skates, and Animals. California Civil Code, section 54.1 through 54.2. Title 3, Section 36.302 of ADA. Ventura County Ordinance, Chapter 4. Animals.

Policy

Accountability

University Police are responsible for California and Ventura County code enforcement and enforcement of University regulations. Disability Resource Programs is responsible for providing support services to students with impairments necessitating the use of a service animal. Human Resource Programs is responsible for providing support services to faculty and staff with impairments which necessitate the use of a service animal. Environmental, Safety & Risk Management is responsible for advising on the risk, potential hazard, potential for property damage, of any animal on campus grounds. Conferences & Events is responsible for the approval and regulation of animals brought to campus in connection with special events.

Applicability

With the exception of the University Glen residential community this policy is applicable to any person, in any building, or on any property, owned or controlled by the University. This policy purposely excludes animals used for research and teaching purposes during regularly scheduled classes.

Definition(s)

For this policy, the following definitions shall apply:

  • Domestic Animal - An animal that has been trained or adapted to living in a human environment. Such animals include, but are not limited to dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, fish and other types of household pets.
  • Feral Animal - A once-domestic animal that has reverted to an untamed state.
  • Wild Animal - A non-domesticated animal living in its natural habitat.
  • Service Animal - A dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.  Other animals, whether wild or domestic, do not qualify as service animals.  Dogs that are not trained to perform tasks that mitigate the effects of a disability, including dogs that are used purely for emotional support, are not service animals.
  • Animal Nuisances - Any animal, except an animal kept or controlled by a governmental agency, which has committed any one or more of any of the following acts is deemed to be a public nuisance:
    • An unprovoked infliction of physical injury upon any person where such person is conducting himself or herself lawfully.
    • Unprovoked threatening behavior toward any person where such person is conducting himself or herself lawfully which occurs in such circumstances as to cause such person reasonably to fear for his or her physical safety.
    • The utterance of barks or cries which are loud, frequent and continued over a period of time.
    • An unprovoked infliction of physical injury upon any other animal.
    • The damaging of University property or the personal property of some person other than the owner or keeper of the animal.
    • The dumping of trash cans or the spreading of trash.
    • The chasing of pedestrians, bicycles or vehicles.

Text

Wild or Feral Animals -

  • Wild or feral animals that are not a risk and do not represent a hazard, cause property damage, or create a public nuisance, and that do not involve human intervention, will be allowed to inhabit the campus grounds.
  • Prohibited human intervention includes, but is not limited to, feeding, building of shelters, and injection of medication.
  • Wild or feral animals that are a potential risk, represent a hazard, cause property damage, create a nuisance, or otherwise pose a potential conflict for humans will be regulated, controlled, and humanely relocated in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations and best practices.

Domestic Animals -

  • Dogs, cats, and other domestic animals must be under control while on campus grounds, and restrained by a leash, chain or harness that does not exceed six (6) feet in length and that is in control of a responsible person.
  • Any dog, cat, or other domestic animal brought to campus must be licensed and fully inoculated in accordance with Ventura County regulations, with the burden of proof on the owner or person in control.
  • Fecal matter deposited by any dog, cat, or other domestic animal brought to campus must be removed immediately and disposed of properly by the owner.  The burden is on the animal owner or person in control to arrange for removal of fecal matter if s/he is personally unable to perform the task.
  • Dogs, cats, and other domestic animals may not enter campus buildings, including all residence halls.  This section does not apply to fish contained within a fish tank that have been approved by the appropriate department head nor does it apply to a service dog, accompanying a person with a disability or an authorized service dog trainer, as defined by California Civil Code §54.1, and 54.2.
  • Domestic animals found tethered, unattended, or abandoned may be humanely impounded in accordance with all applicable law and regulations.
  • Domestic animals may be confined in vehicles parked on campus for a reasonable period of time, as long as the animal in not endangered and does not endanger others or create a nuisance.

Service Animals -

  • Federal law does not require a service dog to be formally trained or to be certified that it has been trained. Service dogs are individually trained to effectively perform tasks for people with disabilities.
  • Service dogs must be on a leash and/or under the control of a responsible person at all times, except that a service dog user does not have to use a leash if he or she is unable, if using a leash would harm him or her, or if the dog must perform a task without use of a leash.
  • A service dog is not required to wear a collar, tag, vest, or other identifying equipment indicating that it is a trained service animal.
  • Service dogs must be licensed and fully inoculated, with the burden of proof on the animal user.\
  • Use of a service dog in university facilities may be prohibited if the use of the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of other persons, or if the presence of the service dog will result in a fundamental alteration of the service, program, or activity involved.
  • The owner must be in full control of the service dog at all times, as required elsewhere in this policy.
  • Reasonable behavior and proper hygiene are expected from the service dog while on campus.  If the dog exhibits unacceptable behavior, the owner is expected to employ proper training techniques and correct the situation.  Service dogs with hygiene or behavioral issues will be denied access to the University.

Special Events -

  • Approval must be obtained from the EFC for animals to be brought on campus for a singular event involving the display or demonstration of specialized skills or natural behaviors, or any animal used for instructionally related activities outside of regularly scheduled classes.

Exhibit(s)

None.

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