Winston, the five-year-old Labrador trained by Guide Dogs WA to interact gently and calmly with victims, witnesses and other court users to help reduce stress and anxiety when in the courthouse. The president of the Children’s Court of WA, His Honour Judge Hylton Quail, is very supportive of the program, stating that young people involved in the criminal justice system are particularly vulnerable because many have experienced disadvantage and trauma.

Winston started work 2-3 days a week in late September 2021 as part of a 12-month pilot program to assess the viability of extending the service. The Justice Director-General said facility dogs are used in a range of legal settings in Australia and internationally, and they have been highly successful in reducing anxiety in people interacting with the justice system. These positive effects also increase engagement with court proceedings and improve efficiency.

Some victims describe the experience of giving evidence in court as distressing and often akin to the offence itself in terms of traumatisation. These stressors can significantly impact a person’s memory and ability to concentrate and communicate.

Winston and his handler operate in public waiting areas of the courthouse. They do not enter the courtroom or remote witness facility while the court is in session. People can touch, pet and interact with the dog if they choose. Winston is trained to provide comfort by placing his head on their lap or lying on their feet. The dog and handler do not approach anyone without their consent, and public signage informs court users of the dog’s presence and advises them to inform staff if they are afraid of dogs or do not wish to be near one.

The pilot program will cost $97,000, which will be managed by the Office of the Commissioner of Victims of Crime. 

In the USA, a Courtroom facility dog began working in 1989 with great success. Since then, there have been over 200 facility employed Courtroom dogs. They are also used in Drug and Mental Health Courts. France has started using dogs for Courtroom cases as well.

Pam Brandis, 
 Dip.Canine.Prac.