See PDF copy of this policy.
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Part 1. Purpose
RCTC (which includes Winona State University-Rochester Center) is committed to providing its employees, students, and visitors with a healthy environment in which to work and study. Recognizing animals may cause a nuisance, have the potential to be a safety hazard, can be unpredictable, have uncontrollable behavior and may contribute to accidents in the workplace, with the exception of those animals that are specifically exempted by this policy, animals are not allowed within campus facilities and must be leashed if only on RCTC property.
Part 2. Exempted Animals
The following animals are permitted on RCTC property:
- Service animals while performing their duties;
- Fish in containers of ten gallons or less, at the discretion of the Physical Plant Director or designee.
- On-duty police dogs or other work animals;
- Animals used for instructional purposes in the Veterinary Technology and Biology programs of the College;
- One-time exceptions may be granted for events involving animals. Exceptions must be requested through the Facilities Scheduler.
When exceptions are made, pets (dogs, cats, etc.) that are allowed on campus must be leashed and under the direct and positive control of the individual responsible for the pet. Such individuals will be liable for any accident or damage caused by the pet while on campus.
Part 3. Responsibilities
Due to the risk of injury from animals to persons on campus, owners of non-exempt animals found on campus will be asked to remove them. If an unrestrained animal is sighted on campus, Security should be notified. Security staff will request the owner to remove the animal or will call the local authorities for the animal to be impounded. When appropriate, other disciplinary measures may be invoked.]
Denying Access or Animal Removal
Per ADA regulations, RCTC reserves the right to deny access to campus properties or require an owner or handler to remove their animal from campus properties if the animal behaves in an unacceptable way. Unacceptable behavior may include, but is not limited to:
- Uncontrolled barking, whining, growling, or making other distracting noises
- Uncontrolled jumping on, nudging, lunging at, sniffing, or licking other people
- Regularly escaping from handler or overpowering the handler
- Regularly begging for or taking food not freely offered by others
- Destroying university property or the property of others on campus
- Urinating or defecating indoors or in inappropriate areas
- Behaviors that pose a direct threat to health or safety of others
RCTC may also deny access or require an owner or handler to remove their animal if the owner or handler has failed to care properly for their animal and the lack of care becomes a distraction to the point of interfering with normal business or academic activities. For example, if an owner allows their animal to become unclean and the odor prevents the professor or other students from being able to focus on the lesson.
Date of Implementation: Immediate
Date of Adoption: October 14, 2005
Updates: 10/26/2021