G-020 Pet Policy

Code: G-020
Date: February 23, 2006
Approved: David C. Danahar

Southwest Minnesota State University

Policy

Pet Animals

Policy

Pet animals are prohibited from all buildings at Southwest Minnesota State University. This policy includes, but is not restricted to, food service areas, academic and administrative buildings, and all residence halls and apartments under the jurisdiction of Southwest Minnesota State University. When pets are walked across University grounds, the standards established in animal control ordinances or legislative codes for the local community will prevail. (For example, as of the date of this policy, city ordinance prohibits allowing a pet to run at large.) Responsibility for enforcement of the Pet Policy will rest with the Department of Public Safety. Exceptions to this policy may be made by the Director of Public Safety.

Definition

Pet animals include all animals of any type with the exception of service animals and fish in a tank or aquarium containing ten gallons or less. Examples of pet animals include, but are not limited to, dogs, cats, rodents, birds (such as parakeets, pigeons, parrots), turtles, snakes, and “exotic” wild animals. Guide dogs or other service animals accompanying and providing service to blind, hearing-impaired, or other individuals with disabilities are not defined as pets and will be allowed in buildings to the extent required by law.

Enforcement

All complaints shall be made to University Public Safety. Upon receipt of a complaint, an officer from the department will investigate and may contact local animal control to seize any pet found in violation of this policy. If animal control is contacted, the pet may be transferred to the animal pound. Upon impoundment, or as soon as possible thereafter, University Public Safety will attempt to notify the owner or keeper, if ascertainable from some device on the pet. It shall be the owner’s responsibility to pay any charges that may result in the impoundment of his/her pet. Violators of this policy may be subject to penalties defined in ordinance or statute, employee discipline or discipline defined in the Student Handbook.