Animals on Campus

1.    PURPOSE: The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for animals on campus for the purposes of safety and security.

2.    SCOPE: This policy applies to Saint Vincent Archabbey, College and Seminary.

3.    GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

3.1. Public Safety is committed to enhancing the quality of life of the campus community by implementing and enforcing standards for permitting animals on campus.

3.2. The purpose of this policy is to protect the safety of members of the Saint Vincent community, its visitors and guests, the property and physical plant of the Archabbey, College and Seminary and the animals affected.

4. POLICY:

4.1. RESTRICTED AREAS:

4.1.1. Other than service animals, no animals are permitted within the confines of Chuck Noll Field or other outdoor locations during any organized activity (including, but not limited to, athletic events, alumni gatherings, concerts, and intramural activities) in which students, spectators or guests are invited to gather. “Confines” includes viewing stands, areas surrounding the playing fields, and any area that might be used by guests to observe or participate in the event;

4.1.2. Other than service animals, no animals are permitted at any time:

4.1.2.1. Inside the Carey Center;

4.1.2.2. On athletic fields;

4.1.2.3. In residence halls;

4.1.2.4. In any administrative building on campus; or,

4.1.2.5. On any walking path.

4.1.3. A service animal means a guide, signal or service dog or other aid animal that has been certified by a recognized authority to assist a person, because of the physical disability, blindness or deafness of the user, or who is training a guide, signal or support dog or other aid animal for or from a recognized authority for such a user. Service animal also includes any animal used by the College Wellness Center for therapy purposes.

4.2 NON-RESTRICTED AREAS:

4.2.1 In any area not set forth in Section 4.1.2 above, and in the areas designated in Section 4.1.1 above when organized activities are not ongoing, animals are permitted to be kept on a leash and with the owner at all An owner may not leave an animal unattended by securing it by a leash to a tree, light post or other fixed object, or by leaving it in a parked vehicle.

4.2.2 All animal owners must clean up after their animals and safely remove and dispose of any waste the animals produce.

5. ENFORCEMENT

5.1 The Public Safety Department is authorized to enforce this policy on Saint Vincent property. Public Safety has primary responsibility for disseminating the policy and assisting other units in implementing the policy and procedures.

5.2 The Director of Public Safety has the authority to authorize exceptions to this policy in cases of emergency and other special need and must be notified of any issue regarding the implementation or enforcement of this policy.

5.3 Owners (and their animals) not following the leash policy will be escorted off Owners that do not comply with the leash policy may be subject to administrative penalties and/or banned from campus.

5.4 Public Safety officers are also authorized to contact the local community animal control operations when necessary.

Approved by: Br. Norman Hipps, O.S.B., President
Approval Date: November 7, 2012
Effective Date: November 7, 2012
Revised Date(s): Author: Bruce Antkowiak, Counsel for the College