By Henry Ea -
Following an announcement earlier this year, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) has officially welcomed its three newest, furriest officers of the court. Molly, Lani, and Sunny, three specially trained facility dogs, were sworn in on Wednesday and Thursday to provide much-needed emotional support and companionship in the stressful court environment across registries in Parramatta, Sydney, and Newcastle.
These canine companions, funded by the Law Society of New South Wales and supplied by Guide Dogs Australia, mark a significant expansion of the FCFCOA’s National Court Dog Program. Their presence aims to create a calmer atmosphere for vulnerable litigants and children navigating complex legal proceedings.
Law Society of NSW President Jennifer Ball highlighted the profound impact these dogs will have. “The swearing-in of these dogs marks the opening page of another chapter in the long story of how humanity has relied on animals, not just to serve our needs, but to be so much more: to provide moments of relief, and joy, and moments of love,” Ball stated. She emphasised that the “companionship Court Dogs will provide to court users, including vulnerable witnesses, will alleviate significant stress, and enable them to give clearer, better evidence.”
Chief Justice of the FCFCOA, the Honourable William Alstergren AO, expressed his gratitude for the Law Society’s crucial 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,” Chief Justice Alstergren said. He added, “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.”
Ball also reflected on the challenging nature of court proceedings, noting that “conflict is present in many, if not most cases before this court. Sadly, many of the issues that arise in these rooms have their roots in trauma. Witnesses recounting this evidence are asked – even required – to describe in detail the worst days of their lives.”
But from this week, Ball assured litigants that Molly, Lani, and Sunny will be there and offer “a dependable paw, a head to pat, and an ear to scratch. In doing so, they will help ground people in those very difficult moments.
“[A]s a dog-lover myself, I know the benefit of the unconditional love that my three dogs give me and my family. Then I think of the benefits that Molly, Lani, and Sunny will bring – equipped with their Court Dog training provided by Guide Dogs Australia – and their expert handlers.” She commended the program’s expansion. “And so, I congratulate the Chief Justice for this initiative. The Law Society is proud to join and help fund the FCFCOA and Guide Dogs Australia to allow the newest furry officers of the court to be sworn in.”
The National Court Dog Program, which originated from the dedicated efforts of Judge Amanda Mansini and Deputy Registrar Jordan Dicarlo in Melbourne, aims to make the court experience more trauma-sensitive, help court users find their voice, and facilitate participation in legal proceedings. Previous facility dogs, Poppy and Zoey, have already made a “real and significant” difference in Melbourne and Hobart, helping users feel “happy, safe, calm, and able to fully engage.”
The introduction of Molly, Lani, and Sunny marks a heartwarming expansion of a program dedicated to making the often daunting court environment more accessible and less stressful for those who need it most.
