Illinois Could Allow Dogs to Comfort Courtroom Witnesses

There is a bill on the desk of Governor Bruce Rauner in Illinois that could potentially change the way young victims of crime deal with the time they have to spend in the courtroom. The Daily Herald of Arlington Heights reports on a bill that would allow specially-trained dogs to accompany children in the courtroom who were the victims of physical or sexual abuse. Witnesses who are 18 years or younger would be affected by the passing of this bill. Already approved by Illinois legislature, this bill would allow facility dogs which are accredited by Assistant Dogs International to be utilized to comfort young witnesses. One such dog, named Mitchell… Read More Continue Reading