Stonington Representative Welcomes Therapy Dogs And Handlers To State Capitol

STONINGTON, CT - Committee on Children House Chair Diana Urban (Democrat-Stonington) welcomed 15 animal therapy dogs and their handlers to the Capitol on Wednesday for ‘Animal Therapy Day,’ allowing visitors to meet the dogs and learn about the important role therapy animals play during times of trauma and crisis.

Four statewide organizations were on hand at the event: Tails of Joy, Allan’s Angels, Soul Friends and Cold Noses Warm Hearts. (To sign up for Stonington/Mystic breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

“It is amazing when you watch a child victim of trauma hugging a therapy dog and whispering problems that need to be shared," Urban said in a release. "These incredible dogs and their handlers do all this on a volunteer basis.”

Urban highlighted new legislation she has introduced during a press conference. HB 6999 would allow the use of therapy animals to provide comfort to children who are testifying in certain criminal prosecutions.

State agency staff, law students and therapy animal handlers joined Urban also to discuss the progress of legislation from recent years that has strengthened prosecution in animal cruelty cases and increased protections for children by recognizing the link between animal cruelty and child maltreatment.

Connecticut Kid Governor Jessica Brocksom, who was elected on a platform called Helping Animals, Those Without A Voice, also spoke at the press conference.

“I’m excited to meet legislators today and other people who are working on laws that help give a voice to animals," Brocksom said in a release, "something I am very passionate about.”

Department of Children and Families Commissioner Joette Katz said mounting research and data demonstrate that children and animals are linked in complex and multifaceted ways.

“Literature shows not only that violence against animals and domestic violence are linked," Katz said in a release, "but also that therapy animals have positive effects on children experiencing trauma and stress."

Image via Shutterstock.