Law expands court use for therapy dogs

Animals to help in more cases

TALLAHASSEE – Therapy dogs are used to calm terrified children testifying in cases where they have been witnesses or victims of sex abuse.

Soon they’ll get the chance to help even more people in courts across the state.

Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill this week allowing therapy dogs to accompany children, victims and people with intellectual disabilities during testimony in cases involving abuse, abandonment and neglect. It takes effect July 1.

“This legislation will help children and individuals with unique abilities in our state as they face

some of the most challenging times in their life,” Scott said. “The comfort and support provided by therapy animals can make a profound difference in someone’s life.”

Under current law, the dogs are allowed only when victims are testifying in sex offense cases or when the child has a disability.

“Therapy dogs were helping these kids, and we thought why not expand the list of cases,” said State Rep. Jared Moskowitz, DCoral Springs, who helped sponsor the bill. “This makes them more comfortable while they go through one of the most difficult times in their life.”

The legislation also paves the way for the use of socalled facility dogs that have been trained to offer emotional support to people in group settings, including hospitals, nursing homes and now courtrooms.

“We needed more dogs available because we’re expanding the program,” Moskowitz said in explaining why the legislation included facility dogs.

Research shows that companion animals can lower a person’s heart rate and blood pressure.

Dogs are also being used in prisons to bring a sense of calm to an extremely challenging environment, Moskowitz noted. So expanding their use in courtrooms makes sense, he said.

“That’s why this passed unanimously and that’s why the governor signed it immediately,” Moskowitz said.