TALLAHASSEE — Children testifying in court in abuse, abandonment and neglect cases would be allowed the help of therapy animals under a bill passed by the Florida House.
The bill passed unanimously Thursday and expands a law that already allows therapy animals for victims testifying in sexual-offense cases.
A legislative analysis of the bill says that research has shown animals reduce stress in children, and three Florida district courts that have allowed them have reported positive results.
A similar bill in the Senate is ready for a full chamber vote.