Pets could be a howling good time

The Director of Housing on Emory & Henry’s campus recently acknowledged some of the lesser known residents — pets. While the college should not permit cats and dogs because they cannot be controlled, students should be allowed to own pets other than fish, as long as they stay in 10-gallon tanks.

From Wiley Jackson to the Village, students are keeping pets, such as dogs, cats, snakes, gerbils and fish as companions. Students enjoy in returning to their buildings where these animals relieve the stress associated with classes and hectic work schedules.  Animals provide a nonjudgmental comfort to students who need to feel more at home.

In late October, Jimmy Whited, the Director of Housing, sent out an email to all Emory & Henry residential students warning them about the repercussions of housing pets. According to the Student Handbook, “For reasons of health, maintenance, pest control, and general convenience, no pets are permitted in College residence halls (except fish) or classrooms. Persons violating this policy are subject to action by an appropriate College official. Violators will be required to immediately remove the pet from College property.”  Furthermore, students will be fined for noncompliance or violation of the policy.

In concordance with the Student Handbook, students should own free-moving animals in the dorm buildings; however, 10-gallon tanks can hold animals that are equally as safe and sanitary as fish.  If an animal belongs in a 10-gallon tank with little chance of escaping, and the student maintains the cleanliness of the tank, then it should be allowed to reside in a residential area on campus.  The college should not discriminate against other animals such as amphibians and reptiles if they require the same maintenance as fish.

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