Resolution 10-34: TORTOISES ARE PEOPLE TOO

Number	10-34
Description	Tortoises are allowed to be housed in on-campus residence halls
Authored by	Lydia Smith-Osbourne
Sponsored by	Jimi McNeil
Date Submitted	Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Date Considered	Wednesday, January 1, 1000
General Body Vote	Thursday, January 1, 1970
Committee	Committee Affairs
Result	n/a
Remarks	There is not enough evidence to support allowing tortoises inside residence halls.
Whereas	Fish are allowed in residence hall rooms in a 10-gallon or less tank; and
Whereas	Tortoises are easier/as easy to clean up after as fish due to less water while living in a tank of the same size; and
Whereas	The health risks of owning turtles/tortoises arise when the animals are smaller than 4 inches, which is no longer allowed to be sold in the U.S.; and
Whereas	Tortoises would take up the same amount of space and possibly less electricity than an aquarium of fish which would require a filtration device; and
Whereas	Tortoise tanks remain cleaner longer due to little algae growth in a dry environment resulting in less of an unpleasant odor; and
Whereas	Tortoises are a more expensive investment for a student to make so a student is more likely to take better care of the pet, meaning fewer dead animals to clean up as a result of poor pet maintenance; and The pets would not be allowed to wander around the dorm so that housing staff does not feel responsible for and to ensure the safety of the tortoise.
Be It Further Resolved That	Tortoises are allowed to be housed in on-campus residence halls.