McHenry Co. Gets Therapy Dogs To Help Witnesses, Victims Testifying In Court

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL - The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office has partnered with Masonic Association of Service and Therapy Dogs to provide therapy dogs as needed to victims and witnesses that are facing the stressful ordeal of testifying in court, prosecutors said Monday. Therapy animals decrease feelings of isolation, reduce distress and boredom and help lower blood pressure, McHenry County State's Attorney Patrick Kenneally said. Petting an animal also promotes the release of hormones like serotonin and oxytocin to help elevate mood.

Generally, when you are able to reduce stress and anxiety it is much easier for people to communicate and tell their story while testifying during a court hearing, Keneally said.

“Testifying or having to answer questions from lawyers regarding frightening, humiliating, or intensely private circumstances of a crime is asking a lot of a victim or witness, especially if we are talking about children,” Kenneally said. “I have personally seen how disarming and soothing a therapy dog can be, offering companionship and comfort without judgment.”

M.A.S.T is providing its therapy dogs free of charge to the state's attorney's office.

M.A.S.T. provides charitable and supportive services to comfort crime victims and witnesses; current and former members of the armed forces; and those in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster areas. M.A.S.T. procures and trains shelter dogs as service dogs with the cooperation of Tops Training Center in Grayslake, according to the news release.

Photo via the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office