IMG - Animals in School and on School Grounds

        

ANIMALS IN SCHOOL AND ON SCHOOL GROUNDS


  1. Permission must be obtained from the Superintendent/Principal before animals are brought to school by anyone.  If students need to bring domesticated animals (pets) to school for educational purposes, they must consult with their teacher (s) who, in turn, will request permission from the Superintendent/Principal.  Before granting permission the Superintendent/Principal must consult with the school nurse to ensure that all students’ health needs are being considered.  If the school is not sure how specific animals can impact a given student, then parental contact should be made by the school nurse.  Animals may not be transported in school vehicles.


  1. No pets will be allowed in school unless proof of current rabies vaccination (if appropriate) is provided.


  1. No wild animals will be allowed in school unless under the control of an individual trained in the care and management of the animal and properly licensed by state or federal agencies as appropriate (i.e. zoo keepers, veterinarians, biologists).  Students should not be permitted to handle wild animals.


  1. All animals brought to school must be restrained by the owner/handler.  The teacher is responsible for the proper supervision and control of students whenever there is an exhibit or activity involving animals in school.


  1. If a student is bitten/injured by an animal on school premises, the  Superintendent/Principal/designee, school nurse/physician and parent/guardian must be notified as soon as possible.  If a staff member or visitor is bitten/injured, the Superintendent/Principal/designee must be notified. The Superintendent/Principal/designee must notify appropriate public health authorities and the Maine Department of Human Services, Bureau of Health, of each accident.


  1. If a stray or wild animal appears on school grounds, children shall not be allowed in the area until the animal has left the premises or is removed by the local animal control officer, game warden or other appropriate official. 


  1. Animals kept in classrooms must be housed in appropriate containers and cared for in a safe and humane manner.  Only the teacher or students designated by the teacher are to handle these animals.  If animals are to be kept in the classroom on days when classes are not in session, arrangements must be made for their adequate care at all times.  In order to meet the health                                        needs of students who have allergies or other health conditions, the school nurse must provide ongoing and detailed written communication with appropriate staff members concerning the specific limitations and conditions of these students.


  1. No animal may be used as part of a scientific experiment or for any other purpose in which the normal health of the animal is interfered with or where pain or distress is caused.  No person may practice vivisection or exhibit a vivisection animal in the schools.  Dissection of dead animals shall be confined to the classroom and to the presence of students engaged in the study of dissection and shall not be for the purpose of exhibition.


  1. Students with disabilities will be permitted to have service animals as required in their IEP.

  2. Individuals with disabilities will be permitted to have service animals with required identification.


  1. External organizations requesting use of interior facilities which bring in animals must first receive permission from the School Committee who will base their decision on the health/safety needs of the student body and impact on school facilities.


  1. In order to maintain healthy, safe and secure facilities for all persons entering school property, unauthorized animals are not allowed in school buildings or on school grounds at any time.  Animal Control will be called and requested to impound all animals taken into custody by school personnel.

Adopted:   May 8, 2001

Revised:   October 12, 2024