WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Representative Mary Gay Scanlon and Representative John Rutherford (FL-04) introduced the Courthouse Dogs Act which grants federal judges the authority to allow specially trained dogs to support trauma victims during testimony.
The use of certified courthouse dogs in the courtroom as a mechanism for calming and supporting individuals involved in court proceedings has expanded rapidly in the United States. The scientific evidence for the physical and mental calming effects of appropriately bred and trained dogs is overwhelming. The Courthouse Dogs Act, which was also introduced in the Senate by Senators John Cornyn and Diane Feinstein, allows for any party in a federal criminal proceeding to request an order authorizing an available certified courthouse dog to accompany a witness while testifying in federal court.
“Prior to coming to Congress, I worked as a public interest lawyer for over 30 years where I represented women, families, and children. One of the challenges we face in representing victims of crime and abuse, particularly children, is that testifying in court can be scary and inflict additional trauma,” Rep. Scanlon said. “Allowing a witness to have the comfort of a therapy dog is one small step to ensure that victims are supported in our justice system. I am proud to introduce this bill alongside my colleague Rep. Rutherford, and grateful to Senators Cornyn and Feinstein for their work on this bipartisan, bicameral bill.”
“Throughout my 41 years in law enforcement, I have worked with victims of unimaginable crimes who were too traumatized to provide key evidence during a trial,” Rep. Rutherford said. “Oftentimes the difference between a guilty and not guilty determination is the testimony of a survivor. That is why I am proud to join Representative Scanlon in introducing the bipartisan Courthouse Dogs Act, which would allow trained therapy dogs to be present in federal court as means to relieve stress and anxiety for victims as they provide testimony. Thank you to Representative Scanlon, Senator Cornyn, and Senator Feinstein for their work on this important bill to help victims and their families get the justice they deserve.”
Under this legislation, in order for a dog to become a certified courthouse dog, they must meet the following requirements:
- The dog must have graduated from an assistance dog organization that is a member of an internationally recognized assistance dog association whose primary purpose is based on excellence in the areas of dog acquisition, training, and placement.
- The dog must be accompanied by a trainer who is trained to manage the dog and has knowledge about the legal and criminal justice processes.
The Courthouse Dogs Act is supported by the Courthouse Dogs Foundation, the National District Attorneys Association, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
A copy of this bill can be found here.