Dogs On School Premises Policy

Dogs in Schools Policy

ASSISTANCE DOGS
Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (WA) and will make reasonable adjustments for members of our school community with a disability who require an ‘assistance animal’ to help alleviate the effects of their disability. Assistance animals are permitted to attend our school with their handler including those who are being trained by South Thornlie Primary staff who are undertaking an accredited assistance animal program (such as Seeing Eye Dogs Australia).
The Principal can lawfully ask a person to produce evidence that an animal:
• is trained specifically to assist a person alleviate the effects of a disability (eg. seeing eye dogs)
• meets standards of hygiene and behaviour appropriate for a school environment.
We understand that in some circumstances, students may require an assistance animal to attend school to help them to participate in their educational program. South Thornlie Primary School will consider a request by a student with a disability to allow an assistance animal to attend school with them on a case-by-case basis.

PET DOGS
South Thornlie Primary School is not a public place, and the Principal has the authority and responsibility to permit or decline entry to school grounds and impose conditions of entry to ensure the safety of the community. Whilst South Thornlie Primary School values the role dogs play in our community and the many benefits of family dog ownership, we also need to ensure that our school remains a safe and inclusive place for everyone. Dogs are not permitted on school grounds, in classrooms or other school buildings unless specific approval has been granted by the Principal.

STRAY DOGS
Unaccompanied or stray dogs sighted at our school should be reported immediately to the school office. School staff will contact City of Gosnells Rangers for assistance in managing and removing a stray dog from school grounds to ensure staff and student safety.