Write your article here... In the past, leashed pets were allowed on Granite School District properties, as long as owners removed waste and were respectful of the school grounds. But, in February, GSD officials changed the policy to prohibit most animals from district properties. People who bring dogs onto school property could face trespassing violations.

The policy reads, “Dogs and other animals brought onto school property for a reason other than an educational purpose shall not be on district property at any time, except for service animals for individuals with qualifying disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.”

Luke Allen, GSD Associate Director of Communications and Community Outreach, said the policy was changed because schools were experiencing more issues and disruptions with dogs. 

“We’ve had countless instances of students who get dog poop on their shoes or clothes and track that into the building,” he said. “Lots of our schools have to keep extra clothes on hand so students can change when they get it on their clothes. We’ve also had a few instances of students being bitten by dogs during school hours.”

Some schools use discretionary funds to hire companies to remove dog waste, while cleaning costs inside school buildings are also increasing. With 83 schools spread from the Wasatch Mountains to the Oquirrhs, Allen said costs became unsustainable. 

“Our board just felt that the disruptions from this have reached a point where they needed to do something about it in policy,” he said. 

Parents picking up students are asked to leave their dogs or other animals at home. People walking animals must stay on public sidewalks and walkways. Although the policy was adopted in February, GSD officials waited to implement it until signs were posted at all schools.

Many pet owners aren’t happy about the policy change. John (who asked to remain anonymous) likes to take his dog to a nearby elementary school once or twice a week when school is out. With no dog parks nearby, he said it’s an option for his pet to run around a bit. 

“The people who are there, who have pets, they’re very respectful. They have bags to pick up poop,” he said. “What I see at the schools, quite honestly, is a lot of garbage that the kids leave, lunch bags and sandwich bags and that type of thing. But I’ve never seen damage. I’ve never seen grass torn up, or playground equipment scratched or damaged in any way by pets.”

Enforcement of the new policy will be similar to what was done in the past. GSD officials will rely on signage to let people know the new rules but won’t have people actively patrolling properties. 

“We’ll inform our law enforcement partners of the new policy, but this will still ultimately be a policy that when people see an issue, they’ll do something about it,” Allen said. “This will make it a little bit more black and white for either our school administrators or our law enforcement partners, when they do feel like they need to enforce it.”

By limiting disruptions caused by dogs and other pets on campus, the district hopes to promote a safe, clean environment for students. “The plan of this policy is to make sure our schools remain schools and don’t turn into dog parks,” Allen said.