LAB TESTS SHOW DOGS WILL BRING SMILES TO MANLY COURTHOUSE
Wednesday, 11 July 2018
A team of Labradors has been trained to make Manly Courthouse a happier place for victims of crime and other vulnerable people, Attorney General Mark Speakman and Member for Manly James Griffin announced today.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT will deliver the Canine Companion Program at the local courts in Burwood, Campbelltown, Gosford, Goulburn, Lismore, Manly, Nowra, Orange, Sutherland and Taree.
“I am proud to say that Manly has been leading the State with the therapy dogs hard at work at Manly Courthouse. The dogs have been providing comfort to victims of crime, witnesses and families who are feeling anxious,” Mr Griffin said.
“Lab(rador) tests indicate the dogs will be off the charts in terms of cuteness, sensitivity and cuddle-ability.”
The rollout of the Canine Court Companion Program follows a successful pilot program at Manly Courthouse involving Delta Society dogs.
"The Manly program received unanimous support, with anxious victims and witnesses feeling more relaxed and ready to give evidence after patting the helpful hounds," Mr Speakman said.
The rollout of the Canine Court Companion Program involving Delta Society dogs which came to an end on 30 June. The Guide Dog Labs have been at Manly Court now since 2 July.
"Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is busy training dozens of Labradors who will be the stars of the Canine Court Companion Program at Burwood, Campbelltown, Gosford, Goulburn, Lismore, Manly, Nowra, Orange, Sutherland and Taree," Mr Speakman said.
"The fab Labs will patrol the courthouses, looking to help anyone who's stressed and in need of fur therapy."
"I thank the Delta Society for helping to pioneer therapy dogs in courts in NSW, with its work at Manly Courthouse laying the platform for the program to grow.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has been awarded the contract to expand the Canine Court Companion Program following a merit-based tender process.
Dale Cleaver, CEO of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT said the organisation is excited to be working with the NSW Government on the new program.
"We know that the presence of a dog can help calm people and lower anxiety, and it's wonderful to see our dogs are already doing this at Manly Courthouse. I'm looking forward to seeing our dogs soon bring comfort and companionship to court users at other courts throughout NSW," Dale Cleaver said.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has more than 60 years experience as the leading provider of guide dogs and orientation and mobility services that enable people with sight loss to move around their communities independently. The organisation also has a growing Pets As Therapy program, with dogs helping children and adults struggling with challenges beyond sight loss.
Attorney General, The Hon. Mark Speakman with a 'fab Lab'.
Dale Cleaver, CEO of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, said the organisation has a growing Pets As Therapy program, with dogs providing companionship and physical comfort to children and adults struggling with challenges beyond sight loss.
“With our dogs already supporting court users in Manly, I’m looking forward to seeing our dogs soon bring comfort and companionship to court users at other courts throughout NSW,” Dale Cleaver said.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is best known as the leading provider of Guide Dogs, orientation and mobility services that enable people with sight loss to move around their communities independently.
For six consecutive years, Guide Dogs Australia has been named the nation’s most trusted charity brand in a Reader’s Digest survey.
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