Therapy dog Zoey sworn into Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia to help Tasmanians

If you catch a labrador strolling around Hobart’s courts, don’t fear – she has a very important job. How Zoe will be lending a paw to vulnerable Tasmanians in court.

With a wagging tail and four legs, Zoey the therapy dog will bring comfort and relief to those who need it most in Tasmanian Courts.

The green-eyed golden labrador, who is a fully accredited and licenced therapy dog, will become a vital companion to vulnerable people in Tasmanian courts after she was sworn in to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia on Tuesday.

With the support of Family Law Practitioners Association and Women’s Legal Service in Tasmania, Zoey now works full-time and will provide a lot of comfort to parties and practitioners at courts in Hobart, Launceston and Devonport.

“Family law litigation is very difficult and can be at times traumatising itself and the idea of having a calming influence like Zoey makes a massive difference,” Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Chief Justice Hon Will Alstergren AO said.

“Family violence in our society on a national basis is a complete disgrace. It always has been and it’s increasing, not decreasing.

Zoey with Judge Sandra Taglieri. Zoey the court dog who will take up a role at the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“We have to do everything we possibly can to try and diminish the effects of that sort of behaviour.

“We as Courts’ see that family violence after it happens and the effects of it, so we must be able to give people as much support as possible and this court dog program is one of the best initiatives I’ve seen daily.”

Zoey is the second canine to be appointed as a Court therapy companion in all of Australia after the first therapy dog, Poppy, reported for duty in Melbourne Courts’ last year.

Owner and Federal Circuit Court Judge Sandra Taglieri said Zoey will perform three roles including supporting witness during a hearing.

“She will also be involved in some of the prehearing stages involving interviews with children and parents by the court child experts who prepare reports to assist judges in making decisions about parenting matters,” she said.

Launch of Zoey the court dog who will take up a role at the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Chief Justice Will Alstergren AO swearing in Zoey the therapy dog in Hobart.

Zoey will also have a more general role in supporting parties who appear in court environments and will help practitioners and supporting staff.

“Let’s face it, although lawyers are trained to advocate, they have a lot of pressure in this day and age because of the complexity of parenting matters that come before the court and they find comfort in having Zoey around,” Judge Taglieri said.

“The trauma that family violence causes to persons who come before the court is prolific.

“But people sometimes forget that trauma is experienced by people working in the Federal Circuit and Family Court and causes vicarious trauma in some instances.”

After a hard day’s work, Zoey will head home with Judge Taglieri every night.

“It’s really important for her to also socialise with her own breed, and go play and do activities of that nature to keep her happy so she’s got a fulsome, well balanced life and can really support the people who come before the court when she’s at work,” she said.