Dogs That Do Justice

Are there dogs that do justice? That alone would be missing from our four-legged friends. And the truth is that, considering the decisions of some judges, it would not hurt to replace them with beings with a more intelligent or less interested look. However, for now, the incursion of the hairy in these areas seems to be limited to the accompaniment of some victims.

A project for dogs to assist victims

At the initiative of the non-profit association TEA Terapias con Labradores, a project was presented at the Oviedo Bar Association to authorize the presence of dogs in court.

Thus, Asturias could be the second Autonomous Community, after Madrid, where these noble animals are used to support minors who go through different judicial procedures. The plan also includes adult victims, particularly those who suffered gender-based violence.

The main reason for dogs to intervene in certain cases is to build confidence in the victims. In this way, it is sought that people reduce their anxiety and stress, making the different judicial instances less traumatic.

That is why the dogs, specially educated for this type of task, would provide support from the investigation phase to the court appearance stage.

What does the court support dog initiative consist of?

The project coordinator is Amelia Suárez Rico. She has a degree in Law and a diploma in Criminology. She also has a degree from the University of Oviedo in animal-assisted therapy intervention programs. That is why he knows very well the situation that people who suffer the so-called “double victimization” must go through, having to relive the painful situation they have suffered.

And he also knows that with the participation of dogs, those affected are calmed down and tend to be more communicative. For this reason they manage to testify more fluently.

To carry out this initiative, the TEA association offers six dogs, mostly of the Labrador breed . In addition, it offers a team of experts made up of:

• Social educators
• Psychologists
• Pedagogues
• Social and healthcare professionals

Waiting for a pilot experience to be launched

TEA trusts that the implementation of a six-month pilot experience will be approved, which will not imply any cost for the beneficiaries. The decision now depends on the Council of Presidency and Citizen Participation of the Principality and the Superior Court of Justice of Asturias (TSJA).

If the initiative is launched, the participation of the dogs should be recommended by the lawyer, psychologist or psychiatrist involved in each case. The furry ones would always be accompanied by a guide therapist, except on occasions when, for confidentiality reasons, the animal had to be left alone with the victim.

The idea is that, as soon as a situation of vulnerability is detected, the Tea Terapias con L abradores team is notified. Thus, immediately a professional and a dog will be available to assist the victims. In the case of minors, the consent of the parents or dependents must be obtained.

This is how dogs who do justice work

With their work as support dogs in the courts, the areas where these therapy animals fulfill a commendable role are further expanded. And, to be fair to them, we must say that, in their own way, they are justice dogs.

That is why we must not forget that we are referring to a working dog, which was trained and evaluated to develop this function.

In addition, these furry animals must comply with veterinary protocols that prove their physical health. And your vaccination schedule must be up to date.

On the other hand, to enter the different courts, dogs must wear a bib or harness that identifies them and allows their presence in the building without major inconvenience.

Source of the main photo: www.elcomercio.es

Photo source: Facebook TEA therapy with labradors