WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
TALLAHASSEE — Children testifying in court in abuse, abandonment and neglect cases would be allowed the help of therapy animals under a bill heading to Florida Gov. Rick Scott.
The Senate passed the bill unanimously Thursday a week after the House also unanimously passed it.
It 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.
