ELMIRA, Oregon – Parents of a middle school student at Elmira Elementary School are seeking answers and accountability after their daughter was bitten by a dog on school grounds.
The incident occurred during a school event, where the eighth-grade student was reportedly bitten by a therapy dog that was on site. The dog, which was described as a golden retriever, is said to have bitten the girl on the arm, causing puncture wounds and requiring medical attention.
According to the parents, the school had obtained permission from the girl’s family to have the therapy dog on campus, but they were not informed about the specific event where the dog would be present. They have expressed concerns about the lack of supervision and safety measures in place when the incident occurred.
The school district has issued a statement acknowledging the incident and expressing concern for the student’s well-being. They have also stated that they are conducting an internal review of the event and the circumstances that led to the dog biting the student.
In response to the incident, the parents are calling for increased transparency from the school regarding the presence of therapy animals on campus. They are also seeking assurances that proper safety protocols will be put in place to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
The community has rallied behind the family, calling for greater accountability and communication from the school regarding the use of therapy animals in educational settings. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the role of animals in schools and the need for clear guidelines to ensure the safety of students.
Moving forward, the school district has committed to working with the family to address their concerns and to review their policies regarding the presence of therapy animals on school grounds. They have also pledged to take steps to improve communication and transparency with parents regarding such matters.