Court Dogs have been introduced into Tasmania’s Magistrates and Supreme Courts in an effort to create a more supportive environment for vulnerable witnesses, particularly children and young people.
Attorney General Guy Barnett said the dogs have a calming influence and can help witnesses feel comfortable and relaxed enough to share their experiences during challenging proceedings.
“The Court Dogs absolutely deliver. All the feedback is really positive,” he said.
Guide Dogs Tasmania Business Manager Kim Ryan said the dogs are trained to pick up on changes in body language and emotional cues, providing support through chin rests, paw lending and simple gestures.
“These dogs have a wonderful empathy. They pick up on signals,” Ryan said.
“It’s just amazing to see the impact of these dogs and the dogs themselves just picking up when they’re needed and just shuffling a little bit closer.”
The dogs are carefully selected and given additional training to support witnesses in a courtroom setting.
Ryan said simply stroking the dog or having a hand on the dog’s belly can prove beneficial.
“We have had witnesses’ comment that they just could not have survived the day without the Facility Dog by their side, the support that the dog provided was just amazing,” she said.
“We are so thankful for this partnership with the Department of Justice and to be able to support in such a wonderful way through the amazing impact our dogs have on people.”
