By Henry Ea -
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) is expanding its successful Court Dog Program to Sydney, Parramatta, and Newcastle. The program brings comfort and support to vulnerable litigants and children. Three new facility dogs, funded by the Law Society of NSW and trained by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, will join the courts in early 2025.
The program, already operating in Melbourne and Hobart, has significantly improved the court experience for many, helping individuals feel calmer, safer, and more able to engage with proceedings. The dogs Poppy and Zoey, currently serving in Victoria and Tasmania, have demonstrated the positive impact of animal companionship in a stressful environment.
Chief Justice of the FCFCOA, the Honourable William Alstergren AO, expressed his gratitude to the Law Society of NSW for their investment. “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.”
Jennifer Ball, President of the Law Society of NSW, emphasised the importance of supporting witnesses. “Lawyers involved in court proceedings rely on their witnesses giving the best evidence possible,” she stated. “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.”
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Therapy Dog Program Team Leader Samantha O’Keefe explained the specialised training these dogs receive. “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 said. “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 wellbeing of people navigating the court system.”
The Court Dog Program aims to help litigants and children find their voice, make the court experience more trauma-sensitive, and facilitate participation in the justice process. Research has shown that interaction with these dogs can reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increase oxytocin, which promotes calm and clear thinking.
Surveys conducted in Melbourne and Hobart have revealed overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 100 per cent of court users believing the presence of a Court Dog is positive and feeling supported by them. Respondents reported feeling relaxed, less nervous, happy, safe, and able to think more clearly and express themselves better.
Current program users have highlighted the profound impact these dogs have. One individual shared, “Having Zoey 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. I’m very thankful to have had Zoey there with me.” Another added, “Having the Court Dog, Zoey, present and the incidental interactions I had with her, breaks through a layer of tension that rests upon solicitors, counsel and parties’ shoulders, even before entering the court building.”
The new Court Dogs will be officially “sworn in” early in 2025 and will begin their important work supporting those navigating the court system in NSW.
