News
Guide Dogs appear in court!
Image: Court Dog Molly with (L to R) Judge Rania Skaros, Jennifer Ball, Liz Pepper, Chief Justice William Alstergren, Judge Amanda Mansini and Jordan Dicarlo
But don’t worry, they are very good dogs…
Three dogs appeared in court this week, to the click of cameras and an intrigued audience. Molly, Lani and Sunny – who are definitely the goodest dogs – were not on trial. Instead, they appeared in ceremonies as part of an initiative that sees specially bred and trained dogs across Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland join dogs provide support and comfort to children and families in stressful times.
On 9th and 10th July, Court Dogs Molly, Lani and Sunny were ‘sworn in’ at special dog ceremonies at the Law Court buildings at Parramatta, Sydney and Newcastle as part of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia’s initiative with Guide Dogs Australia.
The Chief Justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the Honourable William Alstergren AO, said the investment by the Law Society of New South Wales goes a long way towards helping vulnerable court users in the state.
“It’s a credit to the Law Society of New South Wales and its members that they’ve decided to fund the three new dogs for our registries in Sydney, Parramatta and Newcastle. We’ve been overwhelmed at the positive reception our Court Dog Program has received in Melbourne and Hobart, so we’re beyond excited to see the impact these new additions will make in New South Wales.”
The National Court Dog Program is designed:
- to help litigants and children find their voice and tell their stories;
- to make the court experience more trauma-sensitive for court users; and
- to facilitate participation in the court process and further the administration of justice.
Court Dogs are highly skilled facility dogs, identified for their ability to provide emotional support and stability in court environments. Backed by nearly 70 years of world-class breeding and training expertise, Guide Dogs Australia member organisations apply the same rigorous standards used in preparing Guide Dogs to ensure Court Dogs possess the calm temperament, resilience, and focus required for this important role.
The research behind Court Dogs indicates that the dogs help to reduce the effects of cortisol, the stress hormone that increases a human’s heart rate and blood pressure. Court Dogs also increase oxytocin, which reduces anxiety and improves a person’s clarity of thought and sense of calm.
Congratulations to Molly, Lani and Sunny and we are confident you will bring much needed emotional support to many thousands of people.
