Bitten by the teacher’s pet

A TASMANIAN primary student has been bitten by a teacher’s pet — a puppy that was supposed to have been a morale booster for the kids.

The Education Department confirmed it was aware of an isolated incident involving a golden retriever puppy at a school recently. A spokesman said “immediate and appropriate action [was] put into place”.

Under section 28 of the Dog Control Act 2000, principals can make decisions about dogs on school property.

The puppy had been attending the Richmond Primary School all year, with children sometimes sent out unsupervised to exercise the dog.

A TASMANIAN primary student has been bitten by a teacher’s pet at school but the Education Department says the response was “immediate and appropriate”.

The Mercury has been told a student at Richmond Primary School was bitten by a senior staff member’s dog on school grounds last month.

It is understood the animal was being used to boost morale and assist with the welfare of students.

The Education Department confirmed they were aware of an isolated incident involving a puppy at a school recently, but wouldn’t reveal any further details.

“Immediate and appropriate action was put into place to respond to this incident,” a spokesman said.

The Mercury understands another student may have also been bitten by the dog — a golden retriever puppy.

Richmond principal Matthew Kenny did not respond to a request for comment yesterday.

The Mercury was told the puppy had been at the school all year, with children sometimes sent out unsupervised to exercise the dog.

It’s understood the puppy hasn’t undergone any assistance dog training and staff members haven’t taken handling training either. There is no statewide policy for dogs on school grounds to ensure students are not put at risk, with it left to principals’ discretion.

Under section 28 of the Dog Control Act 2000, principals can make decisions about dogs in and on school property.

A person must not take a dog — unless they are guide or hearing dog — into a school, preschool, kindergarten, creche or other place for the reception of children without the permission of the person in charge of the place.

The Department spokesman said they routinely reviewed policies.

He said they were currently considering the broader policy and risk management framework relating to dogs in schools.

He would not say if the presence of dogs in schools would be suspended until such process was completed.

“Dogs in schools have proven benefits for students with research showing a broad range of positive impacts including reduced anxiety, increased confidence and selfesteem, and increased responsibility and respect for others,” he said.