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Purpose

Regarding animals, the objective of these policies is to assist in creating a safe environment on the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso campus for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Animals on Campus Policy  

Animals are prohibited in any Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é building. This includes, but is not limited to, administrative offices, academic buildings, residence halls, apartments, and all on- campus structures. 

The following are exceptions to this policy:

1. Certified assistance/service animals (as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act 28 F.R. § 36.302(c) and Texas Human Resources Code, Title 8, Chapter 121);
2. Police dogs;
3. Approved research animals;
4. Stray animals temporarily being held by Environmental Health and Safety;
5. Animals approved by the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é to be on campus for special events;
6. A single fish tank or terrarium is allowed within an individual’s own office environment only as appropriate containment for non-venomous, non- dangerous personal pets, and only if the container as it is installed is maintained by the individual does not present a nuisance, an egress hazard or an undue distraction from the business of the

Non-dangerous pets may be brought onto campus, other than in buildings, but shall be appropriately restrained and/or contained at all times by the responsible owner.

Dogs must be on a leash or chain that does not exceed 6 feet in length and that is in the hands of a responsible owner/custodian.

Other pets may also be allowed on campus, other than in buildings, but only in an appropriate cage, carrier, crate, or kennel.

 Animals may not be tethered, unattended, or abandoned on campus. Animals may not be left unattended in any vehicle parked on campus.

Animals brought to campus must be appropriately inoculated for rabies, with the burden of proof on the responsible owner/custodian.

 When animals are brought to campus, the responsible owner/custodian shall be responsible for feeding and cleaning up after the animal.  This includes any fecal material deposited by the animal while on campus.  Under no circumstance shall others be instructed to care for or clean up after an allowed animal.

 The Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to request that any animal(s) creating a nuisance be removed from campus property.

 The Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to prohibit animals from any campus event.

 The Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é is not responsible for any animal brought onto Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é property. 

Animal Feeding Policy

 The feral animal population on our campus is a concern.  In an effort to reduce the campus community’s health risk from contact with feral animals, the following policy has been adopted.  Feral and wild animals are potential carriers of rabies and other diseases, which may infect a person if bitten and/or scratched.  This effort will reduce contact with feral and wild animals; therefore, reducing the risk of contracting animal borne diseases.

Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é faculty, staff and students are prohibited from leaving unattended food or water on campus grounds for the purpose of feeding animals.  The practice of leaving food stuff outdoors creates attraction of undesirable wild and feral species, which in turn creates the health risk. Any food found outside on campus grounds will be promptly removed and disposed of.  The person(s) identified as feeding the animals will be informed of the “No Feeding Policy”, and disciplinary action may be taken for repeated offenses.

 All trash dumpsters, in which food may potentially be disposed of, are to be kept clean and covered at all times.

All members of the campus community are required to comply with all aspects of these policies and are responsible for reporting incidences of non-compliance. 

Revised November 2, 2011