Dogs are commonly seen on campus at SF State, despite the mixed reactions from students.

A sign posted in front of the school asks only that dogs be on a leash and under control at all times, yet, dogs can be seen playing freely on the grass in the quad at times.

One such dog owner, James Baybayan, was recently given a warning by campus police for having his 7 month-old pit bull, Yago-meister, off the leash.

“I have never had any problems here," Baybayan said. "Yago gets along with all other dogs and people. That is one of the reasons I always bring him out here, so he can get used to all the people,” he said. Baybayan, 20, plans to open a kennel in Stockton when he finishes school.

Campus police officers became interested in James’ dog after receiving a phone call from an alarmed student who complained about a loose pit bull in the quad.

“If it is obviously a dangerous animal, that becomes a matter of public safety, said Officer Kevin Thomas. “I’ve never heard of anyone getting bitten here.”

Thomas noted a warning for an off-leash canine is similar to that of riding a bicycle or skateboard on campus.

“It is up to officer discretion and what type of situation it is. We can warn him or give him a ticket right there,” he said.

Thomas added that the issue is not a primary concern, and could not remember any real problems with dogs on campus.

“I don’t really want to see dogs all over the campus. Some people can’t control them,” said senior Matt Paul, an international relations major. “There are already too many people. Do we really need dogs running all over the place? It’s chaos.”

“I am not aware of dogs being a problem,” said Denise Needleman, associate vice president of human resources. “People will bring animals to campus on leashes. As long as it is controlled property, we can accommodate them.”

Johanna Buchignani’s dog, Trouble, actually attended class with her. Trouble is a trembling 1-year-old rescued Chihuahua that was neglected and abandoned.

“I couldn’t leave him home because I have only had him four days” said Buchignani. “He is brand new to me. He might freak out and tear up the apartment..”

Buchignani, 26, checked with her professor and classmates before introducing Trouble to the classroom.

“You have to be sensitive about people’s allergies.” Buchignani said. “My professor was awesome. He carried him and let him sit in my lap.”