Schools allow pets

A policy on classroom pets that sparked controversy when it was introduced earlier this year was approved Tuesday by Coeur d’Alene’s school board.

“It’s a real solid policy and one that’s doable,” said Carol Kinsey, a Canfield Middle School teacher who keeps rats, rabbits and guinea pigs in the classroom.

The district decided to draft a policy on pets this spring after Superintendent Harry Amend banned dogs from school grounds. At the time, Amend didn’t know that a handful of Coeur d’Alene teachers brought their dogs to class.

He only knew that maintenance workers were complaining that they were mowing dog poop and, on the first day of school, several kids had returned to class after recess with dog feces on their shoes.

Following the ban, teachers also were told to leave Fido at home.

The resulting uproar from animal lovers in Coeur d’Alene schools led to a temporary reprieve, at least until the district could finalize a policy on pets. During the policy-making process, the future of even the smallest pets in Coeur d’Alene classrooms was in doubt.

The district’s director of health services raised concerns over the possible health effects on students with allergies or asthma. The Environmental Protection Agency has suggested the removal of all animals from classrooms, advice that has led to complete bans in some U.S. schools.

The policy trustees approved Tuesday addresses concerns for advocates on either side, said Steve Briggs, business manager for Coeur d’Alene schools.

“We searched out advocates on both sides of the issue and listened to their input,” Briggs said. “There’s enough in the policy to protect students and employees who have health issues with animals and safety issues with animals and, at the same time, allows pets to have a presence in our buildings.”

Kinsey was ready to fight for classroom pets when the district set to work on a policy. She armed herself with piles of research and information on how pets enhance the educational experience and was ready to testify before the school board.

But the draft policy wasn’t as limiting as Kinsey had expected.

Teachers must first make sure students aren’t allergic to pets before introducing them to the classroom, must pay for food and supplies themselves, are responsible for keeping the environment clean and animals contained, and every animal must have an annual health certificate, signed by a veterinarian.

Kinsey said her only concern with the policy was the health certificate requirement. She didn’t think vets could issue a certificate for a small pet, such as a rat, that would be good for a year. But at least one local animal clinic said they can issue annual health certificates.

The pet policy also states that pet owners will be held liable for any damage or injury a pet causes.

In Kinsey’s class, students draw names at the beginning of class for the opportunity to hold a rat, guinea pig or rabbit.

“For the hyper kids, it totally settles them down,” Kinsey said. She’s seen other benefits to classroom pets.

An autistic student who wouldn’t even open his hands to touch anything was put in charge of the rats. He had to open his hands to pick up the rats, though, and soon was “opening his hands for everything,” Kinsey said.

“Every human quality you would hope your child would have can be taught through animals,” she said. “Love. Caring. Compassion. Responsibility.”