Students on campus are suffering because of improperly handled pets.
As campus officials revise emotional support animal policies, many student pet owners have shown a lack of respect for the rules. Students, with and without proper ESA approval, demonstrate an unwillingness to take good care of these animals.
See for more information on ESA policy updates.
Students have complained about feces left on the Cokesbury Court Apartments’s lawn and animal damage to apartment property. Some students even reported seeing animal feces inside United Methodist Hall.
This lack of consideration puts all residents in a poor living situation, especially those with allergies. Students who enjoy the privilege of owning an ESA must understand the impact it has on surrounding residents. Other students may not feel the same way as you do about that pet, whether approved or not.
Without consideration for non-ESA owners, this problem will continue, and approved animals might be at risk for eviction in the future, even having gone through the process.
Those with illegal animals should move off campus or find an alternative location for their animals. The presence of an illegal pet in campus housing disrespects housing policies and puts future residents at risk. Without knowledge of the animal, housing staff will not know which residences are thus unsuitable for new students with allergies. This is a serious health risk, something that the approved and instated guidelines will prevent, if followed.
Students who legitimately feel that an ESA will improve their mental health must go through the proper approval steps outlined in university policies. While this may seem like a hassle, these policies are in place to prevent maltreatment of housing property and keep residence halls liveable for all students.
If not for fellow residents, students should at least follow housing policies for the sake of ESA owners. Some students need their ESAs for serious psychological issues. It would be cruel to take them away because of a lack of respect for the system, our campus and our housing. ESAs are a privilege, not a right, and must be treated as such. If student pet owners don’t follow the appropriate guidelines, then this privilege may be revoked.
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