Press Releases

GRANVILLE—Effective April 15, 2008, Denison University will require all dogs entering the college’s Biological Reserve to be on a leash and under effective control.

While many organizations and institutions owning such facilities severely restrict or even ban public access altogether, Denison has been pleased to make its Biological Reserve available for the enjoyment of the community. In order to maintain that position, it has become necessary to address issues of safety for adults, children and pets, as well as teaching considerations for faculty and students of the university.

While most visiting dog owners have been responsible guests in the Reserve, there have been incidents that have made this rule change necessary. Aggressive dog behavior has resulted in everything from minor harassment to injury from biting. In addition, some college and community members hesitate to visit the Reserve because they are concerned about their own safety or about the safety of their families and leashed dogs.

The use of the Denison University Biological Reserve has changed since the Polly Anderson Field Station opened in 1995. The Reserve is now intensely used for its original purpose—the education and research efforts of Denison students and faculty. The presence of unleashed dogs constrains research and class projects. In addition, the use of the Reserve by students has dramatically increased. In fact, some days, there are more than 70 students from separate classes using the Reserve at the same time.