A Scots university forked out on almost £1,500 on an initiative to reduce stress through petting animals - but students said their mental health took a downturn following the furry visits.
The University of Edinburgh spent a total of £1,391 on events to bring animals on-campus before the pandemic.
Named 'Therapets', the scheme saw the body splash out £610 on three "Alpaca-based events" - which is a more than £200 per event.
Meanwhile, the School in Health and Social Sciences also spent £400 on a singular Therapets event during the academic year for 2018/19.
But, following feedback from the Student's Counselling Services, 10 students reported feeling "more stressed" after the event.
The data received relates to Therapet events in Academic Year 2018/19 and the first semester of Academic Year 2019/20.
No uni-run Therapet events have occurred since due to the pandemic, student publication The Tab reported.
The event description for one Therapets event on the uni website claimed: "Research shows that spending time with furry friends can reduce stress and improve wellbeing.
"With this in mind, we have invited some dogs (and their owners) to visit the School to spend time with students."
However, the scheme has often been mocked by students as an ineffective way of dealing with student stress and mental health problems - especially when considered alongside long counselling waiting lists.
One Edifess post said: "Look I love dogs, but maybe instead of puppy and alpaca days, the uni should put that money to better use.
"Something like, I don't know, fixing its abysmal mental health services? While adorable, petting a dog isn't a long-term solution for depression and anxiety disorders.
"But not having to wait weeks to see a counsellor might."
In the same time period as the Freedom of Information Request covers, 34 per cent of students on the Student Counselling Service waiting list had to wait more than three weeks for an appointment.
On top of this, the uni only employed 17 full time counsellors - the equivalent of one full time counsellor for 2000 students.
A University of Edinburgh spokesperson said: "Supporting our students' mental health and wellbeing is an absolute priority for the University.
"Events such as these are aimed at enhancing the welfare of our students by providing opportunities for them to meet others and to participate in activities which promote the importance of self-care and wellbeing."
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