5.1.9 Dogs, Cats, and Other Animals

Policy

Effective immediately or as otherwise indicated, the University will enforce the following policy relative to pets:

1. Dogs, cats , and other pets are permitted on University grounds only under the following conditions:
   1. Only guide dogs guiding the blind, the visually handicapped, the hearing impaired, or the physically disabled will be permitted on University grounds without a leash.
   2. All other dogs are permitted on University grounds only if they are leashed and under the direct control of an individual. All dogs must display tags indicating that they are properly licensed within the community and that they have had a current rabies shot. Dogs which are unleashed, unattended, or not properly tagged will be impounded if found on University grounds.
   3. Cats and other animals are permitted on University grounds only when they are under the direct control of an individual.
2. Animals are permitted in University owned or leased buildings only under the following conditions:
   1. Laboratory animals used for research, observation, or demonstration purposes are permitted in University owned or leased buildings. All laboratory animals are the direct responsibility of the person in charge of the project with which the animals are connected.
   2. Animals associated with entertainment productions or promotional events are permitted in University owned or leased buildings only if the animals are under the direct control of their trainer or an individual connected with the event.
   3. Animals are permitted in University owned or leased buildings when they are engaged in safety or security work that has been authorized by University officials.
   4. Guide dogs are permitted in University owned or leased buildings while guiding the blind, the visually handicapped, the hearing impaired, or the physically disabled.
3. Animals are not permitted in University apartments or residence halls. The only exceptions are fish, guide dogs, or animals engaged in safety or security work that has been authorized by University officials.
4. Public health laws prohibit all animals with the exception of guide dogs from public food service establishments. This includes the Bone Student Center and all other food service areas associated with the University.
5. All animals, including those connected with laboratory experiments, entertainment productions, or promotional events shall be treated in a humane way while on University owned or leased property.

Procedure for Implementation -- Dogs, Cats and Other Pets

Animals on Campus and/or in Buildings Except Residence Halls

1. Any observance of a dog or a cat on the campus or within campus buildings, except as expressly provided for in the University Policy relative to dogs, cats, and other pets, should be reported to the Illinois State University Police Department. The following information should be provided:
   1. Name of the caller.
   2. Description of the animal(s), and any other pertinent information.
   3. Location of the animal(s) observed.
2. The Illinois State University Police Department will then contact the Normal Police Department and ask them to dispatch an animal warden to the location of that animal(s). The ISU Police Department will also send an officer to that location to meet the animal warden and to represent the University.
3. Following the pick-up, the Town of Normal representative will proceed in accordance with the Town's regulations for handling such animals.

Animals in Residence Halls

Any individual who observes an animal(s) within the residence halls should contact the person or persons in charge of that residence hall or house. In the event that an animal(s) is being kept in violation of University Regulations, the person in charge of that hall or house should immediately advise the violator and initiate the procedures in Section A. If any individual observing an animal(s) within the residence hall house is unable to contact the person in charge, the Illinois State University Police Department should then be advised and procedures will be initiated accordingly.

Responsibility for Recovery of an Impounded Animal(s)

The owner or person sheltering an animal(s) at the time it is reported in violation shall be totally responsible for recovering such an animal(s) when impounded.

Animals and/or Pets not Covered by the Preceding

The purpose of the policy and implementation procedures is to assist in protecting the health and safety of members of the University community. They are designed to cover the most common problems, namely those posed by dogs and cats, but cannot be expected to meet every situation that may occur as a result of other animals, including birds. To the extent possible, these procedures should be followed in handling situations involving other animals. Procedures for situations not covered in this statement should be developed upon consultation with the Illinois State University Police Department, Environmental Health and Safety, and others involved in the particular problem(s).

Links

Office of Environmental Health and Safety