Use of Therapy Dogs to Expand July 1

Starting July 1, 2017, therapy dogs will be permitted to accompany children, victims, and people with intellectual disabilities during testimony in cases involving abuse, abandonment, and neglect. Presently, the law only permits therapy dogs to accompany victims testifying in sex offense cases or where a child witness has a disability. The new law also increases support for training dogs to be used in group settings, such as hospitals and nursing homes. The Florida Legislature unanimously passed the law in May 2017.

For more information, see:

• Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, “New State Law Expands Use of Therapy Dogs in Courtrooms,” May 12, 2017, http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/florida/fl-sb-therapy-dog-court-law-20170511-story.html

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