Animal Policy at Events

Policy Version: 1.0
Date Adopted: 21 May 2026
Review Date: 21 May 2027
Organisation: Earth Village CIC

Purpose

Earth Village CIC recognises that animals can positively contribute to wellbeing, grounding and community atmosphere when cared for responsibly.

This policy exists to help ensure that gatherings remain safe, inclusive, respectful and accessible for all participants — including those who may feel uncomfortable around animals, have allergies, trauma responses or accessibility needs.

General Principle

Animals may be welcome at selected Earth Village CIC gatherings where the environment is suitable and where their presence does not compromise participant safety, consent or wellbeing.

The organising team reserves the right to determine whether animals are appropriate for a particular event.

Owner Responsibility

Anyone bringing an animal to an event is fully responsible for:

  • Their animal’s behaviour

  • Supervision at all times

  • Cleaning up waste immediately

  • Preventing disruption to activities

  • Ensuring their animal is safe around people and other animals

  • Respecting requests from organisers or participants

  • Providing adequate food, water, shelter and care

Animals must never be left unattended.

Behaviour Expectations

Animals attending gatherings must be:

  • Non-aggressive

  • Socially manageable in communal environments

  • Appropriately restrained or contained where required

  • Suitable for the environment and event type

Organisers may request that an animal be restrained, moved to another area or removed from the event if concerns arise.

Consent & Comfort

Not everyone wishes to interact with animals.

Participants are asked to:

  • Avoid assuming others want physical interaction with animals

  • Respect personal boundaries

  • Keep animals out of designated quiet, ceremonial or facilitation spaces if requested

Facilitators and organisers may create animal-free zones where appropriate.

Hygiene & Safety

Animal owners or handlers must:

  • Bring appropriate waste disposal materials

  • Dispose of waste responsibly

  • Ensure animals do not contaminate food preparation or eating areas

  • Ensure animals are healthy and appropriately cared for

Any animal showing signs of distress, aggression or illness may be asked to leave.

Accessibility Considerations

Earth Village CIC recognises that some participants may:

  • Have allergies

  • Have fears or trauma related to animals

  • Require quieter environments

  • Use assistance animals

We aim to balance inclusivity for animal owners with accessibility for all attendees.

Participants are encouraged to communicate access needs in advance where possible.

Assistance Animals

Registered assistance animals are welcome unless there are exceptional safety concerns.

Earth Village CIC will make reasonable efforts to accommodate assistance animal users.

Liability

Animal owners remain personally responsible for any injury, damage or disruption caused by their animal.

Earth Village CIC accepts no liability for:

  • Loss or injury involving animals

  • Damage caused by animals

  • Conflicts between animals

Event-Specific Rules

Some events may:

  • Be animal-free

  • Require animals to remain restrained

  • Restrict animals from indoor areas

  • Limit the number or type of animals attending

Event-specific guidance will be communicated in advance where possible.

Animal Welfare

Earth Village CIC expects all animals attending gatherings to be treated ethically and compassionately.

Any concerns regarding neglect, mistreatment or unsafe handling may result in organisers asking the owner or handler to remove the animal from the event.

Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically as Earth Village CIC grows and learns from community feedback.

Policy Approval

Approved by the directors of Earth Village CIC

Signed:

Name: Jote Prakash Singh

Position: Director

Date: 21/05/2026