A ‘pawsitive’ program that brings support dogs into the courtroom will now be rolled out in Parramatta.
Going to court is a high-stress experience for all, but specially trained puppies will now help to cut the tension by making vulnerable litigants and children feel safe.
The expansion to the Parramatta registry comes after the Court Dog Program made real and significant improvements to the experiences of many since its introduction in the Melbourne and Hobart registries of the courts.
“Having Zoey (trained facility dog) in court is extremely helpful. She was a good distraction during a very stressful time. It’s a great program and Zoey is a fabulous ambassador,” one Court Dog Program user said about their experience.
The program will also branch out to cover the Sydney and Newcastle areas, with the three dogs to be funded by the Law Society of New South Wales.
President of the Law Society of NSW Jennifer Ball said the proven benefits of specially trained dogs in a court environment makes the investment in this program a positive step for justice.
“Lawyers involved in court proceedings rely on their witnesses giving the best evidence possible,” she said.
“Whether they be adults or children, witnesses who feel less anxious, and more comfortable and supported, are shown to produce more reliable evidence, have better factual recall, speak more clearly and coherently, and exhibit fewer signs of distress.”
The Chief Justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, William Alstergren, 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,” he said.
“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.”
But while every dog will be expertly trained by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, Therapy Dog Program Team Leader Samantha O’Keefe said not every puppy is suited to becoming a fully qualified Guide Dog – they need something special.
“Some dogs have the perfect nature and training to become a Court Dog, where they ease stress, reduce anxiety, provide companionship, emotional support and hugs to those in need,” she added.
“We’re so thrilled to be supporting three new registries with their very own specially trained Court Dogs, who will go on to have a positive impact on the well-being of people navigating the court system.”
The dogs will soon be selected for duty and be ‘sworn in’ early in 2025.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.