6163.3

Instruction

Live Animals in the Classroom

No individual shall bring any live animal, whether pet or wild, to any classroom without prior consent of the teacher and the Principal, in order to protect both the animal and individuals in the building.

Teachers may bring and maintain goldfish or tropical fish in suitable bowls or tanks, but turtles, birds, snakes, or other animals which might present a health hazard shall not be allowed without the approval of the Principal, and then only for class observation and study for a limited period of time.

Science teachers may have animals such as rats, mice and frogs in appropriate facilities in or adjacent to laboratories for the purpose of class study and experimentation, provided that the utmost care is taken to prevent accident and/or suffering to the animals.

Seeing-eye (Guide), hearing and service dogs are permitted on school buses and in school facilities to perform the functions for which they are trained.  Such animal must wear a "harness or an orange-colored leash and collar which makes it readily identifiable as a guide dog" that is licensed.  Fees cannot be assessed due to the presence of the dog, but if the dog causes any damage to the premises, the dog user or his/her parents/guardians are liable.

Legal References:  Connecticut General Statutes

10-221 Boards of education to prescribe rules, policies and procedures

46a-42 Mobility impaired person

46a-44 through 46a-64 Public accommodations and transportation, admittance to Section 504 and the Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 20 U.S.C. 706(7)(b)

American Disability Act of 1989

Policy adopted:  June 3, 2008

NEW HARTFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

New Hartford, Connecticut