DA's Office To Use Dog To Relieve Stress Of Victims, Witnesses

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Victims and witnesses who might need some stress relief while involved in the criminal justice process will now be able to get some help in Westchester County.

On Friday, Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino Jr. introduced his office's first "facility dog."

Lewis, a 2-year-old Labrador retriever, is specially trained to work with witnesses and victims to make what is often a traumatic and stressful experience a bit easier.

As of mid-September, Lewis became a full-time member of the district attorney's staff.

Scarpino said that, for witnesses and victims, sitting through interviews and preparing for trial is a stressful time, especially for child witnesses, victims of domestic and elder abuse and victims of sexual assault.

"Retelling and reliving those moments can be extremely difficult," he said. "Medical professionals have confirmed that having a dog to comfort them, whether in meetings or in court, can help relieve that stress."

Scarpino said Lewis was a great addition to the office and the work it does for the people of Westchester.

Lewis' handler is Assistant District Attorney Brian Bendish of the Superior Court Trial Division.

He took three weeks of specialized training to bond with Lewis and learn the 40 advanced commands to which Lewis responds.

The training, which is ongoing, consists of intensive lectures, hands-on training and multiple examinations in order to acquire public certification.

As part of his work, Bendish will attend all appointments with Lewis, issue his commands and oversee the dog's daily needs.

Bendish said Lewis is an exceptional animal and is amazingly calm and sweet.

"He is trained not to approach anyone unless he is told to," he said. "I really look forward to seeing how his easy demeanor will de-stress situations for our victims and witnesses."

Lewis was raised and trained by the nonprofit Canine Companions for Independence and was provided to the DA's office free of charge. The dog's training as well as his trainer's was estimated at $50,000 and was paid for by donations to the organization.

The dog's ongoing care and feeding is be taken care o by private funds within the DA's office.

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