Trained dogs should be allowed to comfort witnesses during court proceedings, ABA House says
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The ABA House of Delegates resolved Monday to support the use of trained canines to comfort vulnerable witnesses during testimony.
Resolution 101A pushes for enacting laws allowing the use of canines specially trained for assisting witnesses also known as facility dogs. The report accompanying the resolution includes recommendations to protect the dogs’ welfare. The resolution, co-sponsored by the International Law Section and the Government and Public Sector Lawyers Division, was passed in a 202-135 vote.
In urging the House to pass the resolution, Gabrielle M. Buckley of the International Law Section said facility dogs would provide “meaningful access to justice” for victims and witnesses who face difficulties testifying in court.