Non-Research Animals on Campus

(Policy SPS0005 updated October 31, 2003)

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I. Purpose/Scope of the Policy

Pets and other animals are restricted on the UCSC campus to provide a safe and a healthful environment for members of the campus community to study, work and live, to preserve the flora, fauna, and natural beauty of the campus, to protect research projects being carried out on campus lands, to ensure the protection of the campus Natural Reserve areas, to comply with local animal ordinances, and to ensure public safety. This policy provides (A) general provisions regarding non-research animals on campus, and defines (B) the restrictions for pets and other non-research animals on the UCSC campus, (C) administrative and enforcement responsibilities and (D) consequences of violating this policy.

II. Detailed Policy Statement

A. General Provisions

1. Dogs and cats are prohibited on the UCSC campus unless specifically exempted
2. Exemptions are granted for animals which assist people with disabilities, are used by the Police Department, or are used in education or research projects.
3. Animals exempted under this policy (as outlined in sections B.2. and B.3. below), shall be issued a permit and registered with the campus Animal Control Officer, and vaccinated against rabies and distemper prior to bringing on campus. Pets found without proper identification will be considered strays and taken to the county animal shelter. Failure to register pets will be considered a violation of this policy.
4. Both dogs and cats must wear a collar with an identification tag bearing the owner's name, address and either home or work phone number. Temporary identification tags may be obtained through Campus Animal Control.
5. Dogs and cats must by spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and registered with the Campus Animal Control Officer, unless the Santa Cruz County Animal Services Authority has issued an unaltered animal certificate. Dogs must be currently licensed and must display the metallic tag issued by the licensing agency.
6. Cats must wear a collar with a bell whenever they are outside. (Cats’ collars should be safety approved.)
7. Leashed dogs may be walked at Long Marine Laboratory on designated trails only.

B. Restrictions

1. Student Residences and Family Student Housing
   
   Small non-poisonous household pets may be allowed at the discretion of, and with permission of, the College Administrative Officer and/or Housing Manager, after consultation with the Animal Control Officer. Limitations may be placed on size, type of animal, etc. Dogs and cats are specifically prohibited in all student residences, including Preceptors' quarters.
   
2. University House and Provost Housing
   
   1. Dogs and cats are allowed. Dogs may be exercised or walked on campus paths not located within the campus’ Natural Reserves, but must be on leash at all times. Feces deposited by animals must be collected immediately.
   2. Other small household pets may be permitted and must be registered with the campus Animal Control Officer.
      
3. Owner Residences
   
   1. Dogs and cats are allowed. Dogs may be exercised on the areas east of Coolidge Drive from High Street north to the Pogonip property only, but must be on leash at all times and all feces deposited must be collected immediately. Other small non-poisonous household pets may be allowed.
   2. Homeowners are also subject to specific animal provisions in their leasehold agreements
      
4. Staff/Faculty Rental Housing
   
   Small non-poisonous household pets may be allowed at the discretion of, and with permission of, the Housing Manager after consultation with the Animal Control Officer. Limitations may be placed on size and type of animal, etc., subject to specific animal provisions in leasehold agreements.
   
5. Long Marine Laboratory
   
   Dogs may be walked on designated public-access trails only. Dogs are prohibited in buildings, parking lots, areas immediately around buildings and Younger Lagoon. Dogs must be on leash at all times and all feces deposited must be collected immediately.
   
6. Cattle or Other Livestock
   
   As per lease agreements entered into by the University.
   
7. Horses
   
   Horses are allowed on specified trails only. Horses shall not be left unattended or tethered.
   
8. Feeding of Wildlife or Feral Cats On University Property
   
   It shall be considered a violation of the Non-Research Animals on Campus policy to leave food out for the purpose of feeding animals. This shall specifically apply to domesticated or feral cats, raccoons, opossums, skunks, squirrels, and any or all of the fauna which occur either naturally or unnaturally on the UCSC campus. This shall not apply to food left out as bait for purposes of capturing or attracting animals for animal control as approved by the campus Animal Control Officer, or for educational purposes as approved and monitored by a Faculty Advisor.
   
9. Unauthorized Tampering of Animal Traps
   
   Any person who vandalizes, removes, or causes to deactivate an animal trap that has been set by either the campus Animal Control Officer, her/his agents, or the campus Biorational Pest Control Officer, will be in violation of this policy and will be responsible for replacement costs, and/or subject to disciplinary actions as outlined below.

C. Responsibilities

Administration of the Non-Research Animals on Campus policy, including granting exceptions, lies solely with the Vice Chancellor for Business and Administrative Services. Efforts shall be made to consult with the campus Animal Control Officer prior to granting exceptions. Exceptions to this policy must be approved in writing. A copy of the exception will be on file at the Police Department. Exceptions will only be approved upon proof that adequate facilities are present to care for the animal, such that it will not interfere with the rights of other members of the campus community and will not interfere with, or impose an unreasonable threat to, native species, and when there is clear evidence that the presence of the animal on campus is in the best interest of the University.

The primary responsibility for enforcing the Campus Pet Policy, City and County ordinances, and State laws pertaining to the care and treatment of animals lies with the campus Animal Control Officer.

1. College Administrative Officers, Housing Managers, and Residential Life staff are expected to work directly with the campus Animal Control Officer on enforcement of this policy in residential areas.
2. Each supervisor and Building Coordinator has responsibility for making reasonable efforts to enforce the Non-Research Animals on Campus policy within areas/buildings for which she/he has authority.

D. Consequences of Violations

1. Resident students in violation of this policy may lose housing privileges and be subject to student disciplinary procedures.
2. Non-resident students will be subject to student disciplinary procedures.
3. Faculty and staff in owner residences will be subject to local ordinances as well as any relevant leasehold agreements.
4. University employees, staff and faculty, will be subject to administrative disciplinary procedures.

III. Definitions

Pet: Any animal, either domestic or wild, in the possession of, or under the control of, or brought onto campus by, any faculty, staff, student, or guest of the University of California, Santa Cruz or any visitor to the UCSC campus.

Small Household Pet: Smaller domesticated animals traditionally kept in cages, display cases, aquaria or other containers designed for the purpose of housing birds, fish, reptiles, amphibia, and crustacea.

Pet at Large: Any pet which is not confined by a leash, tether, adequate fence, or other physical constraint while either on or off the owner’s premises.

Campus: All land owned by the University of California, Santa Cruz, including Long Marine Laboratory, parking lots, grounds, buildings, and all developed and undeveloped lands.

Long Marine Laboratory: The 98 acres of University of California-owned property known as the UC Marine Education and Research Center at Long Marine Lab. Designated public-access trails shall be clearly marked with signs.

IV. Getting Help

The campus Animal Control Officer provides assistance to campus units (including help with completing forms, carrying out procedures, or interpreting policy).

For information regarding UCSC, City, or County regulations pertaining to animals, or to register pets, contact the campus Animal Control Officer at 459-2231.

V. Applicability and Authority

This policy on Non-Research Animals on Campus applies to all faculty, staff, student, or guest of the University of California, Santa Cruz or any visitor to the UCSC campus.

This policy (updated on October 31, 2003) is a minor revision of SPS0005 issued on June 10, 1997. This policy supersedes all previous campus policies on this subject.

The University Police is the campus authority for the Non-Research Animals on Campus policy. This policy was reviewed and approved by the Chancellor on June 10, 1997. Next review date is October 1998.

VI. Related Policies/References for More Information

References

Santa Cruz City Municipal Code -- Title 8, Animals

Santa Cruz County Code -- Vol. I., Title 6, Animals

Campus Traffic and Parking Regulations

UCSC Service Animal Policy