South Australian court swears in Facility Dog to support people in the family law system

ABC NEWS (Australia)

Legal professionals have gathered at South Australia's Commonwealth Law Court to welcome a new addition to their ranks. Bonnie the Labrador will be the first court Facility Dog in the state's federal jurisdiction to support those traversing the family law system.

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00:00It's a big day for any legal professional, being sworn in in front of loved ones and

00:08peers after diligent and dedicated training.

00:11Congratulations to Bonnie.

00:14And while some of the official proceedings proved a little underwhelming for the four-legged

00:19graduate, it was an exciting occasion for those involved in preparing Bonnie for her

00:24new role.

00:25Every time a dog graduates from Guide Dogs S-A-N-T I'm super proud, the feeling is that

00:30you're just a proud dad.

00:31We thought this was going to be the perfect suit for her as a career, so it's really rewarding

00:36seeing her taking the final steps into her new job.

00:40The Labrador will provide support for witnesses, victims and litigants, especially children

00:45involved in family law proceedings.

00:48Hopefully kids will not remember coming to court, they'll just remember that beautiful

00:51dog which is the most important thing and the comfort she brings.

00:54Surveys found almost 80% of people who spent time with a court dog felt more relaxed and

01:00less nervous.

01:01It's an extraordinary thing to see court dogs work with people.

01:05They can sense the distress, they can sense the trauma and they make a massive difference

01:10to people.

01:11Bonnie is the seventh dog to be sworn in to the Federal Circuit and Family Court, chosen

01:16for her quiet and calm temperament and taught special skills like a reassuring touch in times

01:22of stress and even court etiquette like bowing to the judge.

01:26Bonnie will commence her court duties three days a week from Monday.

01:30Good girl.

01:31Good girl.

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01:58Good girl.

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