THE University of Aberdeen is considering banning all “non-essential” dogs due to concerns over student safety.
Talks have reportedly begun over the potential rule change after a working group was set up earlier in the year to tackle the issue.
Plans to introduce a similar ban were scrapped in 2018 by the institution after pushback from staff.
But now the University has warned that bringing dogs onto campus can cause distress for students with zoophobia, a fear of animals.
An Aberdeen University spokeswoman said: “The university is currently consulting on an ‘animals on campus’ policy to ensure everyone can feel safe and comfortable on our campuses.
“We know that animals bring therapeutic benefits to many, but for others can cause issues with allergies or distress.
“Our policy aims to ensure that all voices are represented and that appropriate standards of animal welfare are in place when animals are on our campuses.”
Guide dogs, therapy pets and working dogs would not be affected by the ban.
