Animals at School Policy

Animals at School Policy

St Patrick’s Catholic School

Let us be protectors of creation, protectors of God’s plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment. Pope Francis, Laudato Si

Rationale:

St Patrick's Catholic School recognises that it is required to have a Code of Ethical Conduct relating to the welfare and treatment of any animals under its care.  (Animal Protection Act 1987)

Purposes:

1. To encourage through example the proper care of living things at school.

2. To provide experiences for children to observe, handle and care for a range of animals in a humane way.

3. To ensure that the care and welfare of animals will have the highest priority in any activity involving the keeping of an animal or its study on a field trip.

4. To educate children through example and discussion on the importance of animal care, welfare and the responsibilities involved.

Guidelines:

General

1. "Animal” is defined as any living creature with a backbone, including land based and aquatic mammals, birds, fish and reptiles.

2. It is generally accepted that other living creatures such as snails, worms and insects must also be treated with care and kindness.

3. If the appropriate care cannot be provided, the animals should not be kept at school.

Animals kept for temporary study purposes

1. Creatures kept in classrooms for observation must be housed and fed properly, and returned to their natural habitat on completion of the study.

2. Creatures captured on field trips must be returned to their habitat prior to leaving the area, unless their proper care back in school can be guaranteed.

Animals kept permanently at school

1. Animals can only be kept permanently at school with the permission of the Board 

2. One teacher should accept responsibility for the welfare and care of the animal/s including providing appropriate housing and food 

3.  No animals that may pose a threat to safety may be kept at school 

4.  Animals must have appropriate diet, including access to water

5. Provision must be made for care at weekends and over holidays

6.  Animals must have cages / containers of an appropriate size and be ventilated and hygienic (i.e. cleaned regularly).  Animals kept outside in cages on grassed areas are to be shifted regularly. Animals must not be subjected to extremes of noise, draught or sunlight.

7. Animals should be free from injury or disease.  Diseased or injured animals should be treated, and should not be kept at school.

8. Animals must be handled and kept in such a way that they are not subjected to stress or fear.

9. Any animal injured or sick whilst in the care of the school must be taken for appropriate treatment at the vet as soon as possible

10. Animals should be able to express natural behaviour

11. Any animal waste must be disposed of to protect health and safety

12. The ultimate responsibility for the welfare of the animal falls on the Board of Trustees who have final say over whether the animal may remain on school grounds

Visiting Animals

1. Permission from the principal must be sought before bringing visiting animals onto the school grounds

2. People bringing animals to school should be mindful that some students may be intimidated by the animal and should take appropriate measures

3. Appropriate and adequate restraints will be used as required

4. The principal and Leadership Team reserve the right to request that any animal be removed and/or not brought back onto the property again if there are concerns about the safety or wellbeing of students or staff

5. The person in charge of the animal is responsible for removal of any animal waste

6. The animal must remain under the control of the person in charge for the entirety of its visit

Ratified: 19 February 2020

ReviewedL 28 February 2024