Policies

Animals on Campus Policy

Policy Purpose

This policy ensures the health and safety of the Farmingdale State College community; preserves the integrity of the buildings and grounds; and supports a healthful educational and work environment that respects the rights of individuals by setting limitations on the presence of animals on campus.

Persons Affected

Faculty, Staff, Students, Third-Parties

Policy Statement

The following restrictions and requirements are established to address the issue of animals on college property, consistent with NYS codes and regulations.

1. Animals are prohibited from all college buildings, athletic facilities, and outdoor events, unless otherwise permitted by this or other college policy.
2. The following types of animals are permitted on college property, including college buildings, athletic facilities, and outdoor events, when necessary and appropriate:
   1. Service Animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act;
   2. Therapy or comfort animals approved by Disability Services
   3. Assistance animals when determined by Disability Services to constitute a reasonable accommodation for a documented disability; and
   4. Animals used by law enforcement or emergency personnel in the exercise of their official duties.
   5. Animals brought to campus as part of a college approved program is allowable as long as the animals have current proof of vaccination.
3. The handler of any animal permitted on campus must carry proof of vaccination and license at all times.
4. Fish in containers of ten gallons or less are allowed in non-research facilities with the approval of the department head. Larger fish tanks that have a connection to the programmatic mission of a department require approval by the college, pending a review of other relevant policies, codes and
5. Animal exhibits (petting zoos, rides, etc.) may require an operating permit from Suffolk County Department of Health and must be pre-approved following procedure #5 listed below
6. Domestic animals (any dog, cat, or tamed animal intended to be a pet or companion for a person) are otherwise permitted on college grounds.
   1. Individuals who bring animals on college property shall be held responsible for the cleanup of any waste products, including feces, and any damage (personal or property) inflicted by the animal. In addition:
   2. Animals shall not be left unattended and must be on a leash, rope or lead of not more than six (6) feet in length and held by a responsible person. (Note: service animals under the control of their handler may be off-leash, if the leash interferes with the service animal's work or the individual's disability prevents its use).
7. The following activities are prohibited (except as stated above):
   1. Bringing wild animals or animals that are not domesticated onto college property.
   2. Feeding wild or stray animals, including feral cats.
   3. Abandoning domestic animals or relocating wild animals onto college property.
   4. Removal or tampering with any animal trap or other monitoring device set by an authorized department or agency.
   5. Fishing, hunting, trapping, collecting or otherwise taking wild animals from college property, except as part of approved activities.
   6. Removal or dead animals from campus without approval from the Physical Plant and/or University Police (Note: NYS DEC or other permits may be required).

Procedures

1. Individuals bringing an animal on campus for ANY disability related issue must first contact the Disability Services Center at 934-420-5174 prior to bringing the animal on campus. Instructions will be provided.
2. All other requests to bring any animals on campus (not related to a disability) must contact University Police at 934-420-2111.
3. In case of medical emergency related to an animal on campus, contact University Police at 934-420-2111.
4. If you are faculty or staff, report violations of this policy to your department head who should contact Human Resources. University Police should also be notified of violations to assist with compliance.
5. Individuals planning an animal exhibit must first contact University Police or Physical Plant prior to exhibiting.

Inquiries/Request

University Police 934-420-2111

Disability Services 934-420-5174

Related Documents

NYS Code: 9 CRR-NY 300-3.1 Prohibited activities. (k) Animals. Americans with Disabilities Act

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Responsible Office

Student Affairs

Policy History

Effective Date: 10/4/2017