Board Policy

BP 6163.2

Instruction

Animals At School

The Board of Education recognizes that animals can be an effective teaching aid. In addition, instruction related to the care and treatment of animals teaches students a sense of responsibility and promotes the humane treatment of living creatures.

Animals may be brought to school for educational purposes, subject to rules and precautions specified in administrative regulations related to health, safety and sanitation. Teachers shall ensure that these rules and precautions are observed so as to protect both the students and animals.

Seeing-eye dogs and service dogs may accompany students and staff at school as needed.

(cf. 0410 - Nondiscrimination in District Programs and Activities)

The district assumes no liability for the safety of animals voluntarily brought to school.

(cf. 5141 - Health Care and Emergencies)

(cf. 5141.1 - Accidents)

(cf. 5141.23 - Infectious Disease Prevention)

Legal Reference:

EDUCATION CODE

233.5 Instruction in kindness to pets and humane treatment of living creatures

51202 Instruction in personal and public health and safety

51540 Safe and humane treatment of animals at school

GOVERNMENT CODE

810-996.6 California Tort Claims Act, especially:

815 Liability for injuries generally; immunity of public entity

835 Conditions of liability

Management Resources:

HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES

Catalogue of Publications, 1996

Guidelines for the Study of Animals in Elementary and Secondary School Biology, HE 1079

Policy PALOS VERDES PENINSULA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

adopted: March 8, 2001 Palos Verdes Estates, California