Maine school official cites Islamic views on dog saliva in classroom pet policy review

Portland Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Abdullahi Ahmed raised religious concerns during an Oct. 14 policy committee meeting about a teacher's request to foster puppies at Ocean Avenue Elementary School.

Ahmed said he consulted local imams who opposed keeping dogs as classroom pets, noting some Islamic traditions consider dog saliva impure. He suggested accommodations could include keeping dogs in a separate room. The committee did not vote on changes, discussing whether any revised policy should apply only to dogs or other animals, plus potential opt-in and opt-out accommodations.