[Wyewood] Statement on Pets and other Animals

[Wyewood Seneschal]

Greetings fellow Wyewoodians and others who visit our lands.

We all love our pets.  They are an important addition to our lives and well-being.  But our pets also come with the responsibility that they behave properly, especially when in public and around others, both humans and pets.

Not everyone is comfortable around pets.  Just like people should ask permission before coming up and petting your animal, pet owners need to be aware, and make sure it is okay to bring their pets into the proximity of others.

Additionally, when there are large gatherings, such as practices or events, it is the pet owner’s responsibility to make sure their animals are not behaving in such a way to annoy or cause distraction to others.

Pet owners whose animals which are deemed to be causing a nuisance, either by the person in charge of the event, or the seneschal, will be asked to address the issues related to the nuisance.  Should the problems continue to occur, the pet owner may be asked to remove their pet from the site.

>From the An Tir Kingdom Laws, Article VIII – Conduct
Section A 3.  The allowance for admission and control of pets shall be determined by the event steward. If no other determination is made, all animals shall be leashed or otherwise physically secured at all times. All pet owners are responsible for the cleanup and removal of their pet's waste.

>From the Society Seneschal’s Handbook – Section XVII. Service Animal Policy
B.  For United States entities:  Under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not considered service animals.

E.  Service animals must always remain under the control of their handler and must be
housebroken. A handler assumes all liability for their animals. Dogs must remain on leash
unless their duties demand that they be off leash, either for specific tasks or for the handler’s
disability. The dog must still be under control of the handler.

F. If a service animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control
it, the event steward or local (or Kingdom) seneschal may request that the animal be
removed from the premises.

Gwendolyn MacAuslane of Loch Lomond
Wyewood Seneschal

Baron John de Percy, OP, OM
Baroness Margaret Palmer
Wyewood