EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — Washington is in the process of asking school districts to draft policies on what pets — other than service animals — should be allowed in classrooms.
The Daily Herald of Everett reports the policy was to go into effect in July, but is now on hold due to budget problems.
State Health Department spokesman Donn Moyer says the idea is to protect students who may suffer from asthma or pick up germs from animals. For example, turtles and snakes can spread salmonella.
The Edmonds School District adopted a policy in November that bans most animals except service and therapy dogs. Other dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, reptiles and even ant farms are banned. Small turtles, fish and frogs are OK if they are kept in clean aquariums.
