WUFT-TV/FM | WJUF-FM
1200 Weimer Hall | P.O. Box 118405
Gainesville, FL 32611
(352) 392-5551

A service of the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida.

© 2024 WUFT / Division of Media Properties
News and Public Media for North Central Florida
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Florida Senate Passes Bill To Allow Therapy Animals In Court

Bella, a 2-month-old therapy dog in training, in December. The Florida Senate on Thursday gave the thumbs-up to allow such dogs in court for children testifying in abuse, abandonment and neglect cases, sending the bill to Gov. Rick Scott's desk. (File/WUFT News)
Bella, a 2-month-old therapy dog in training, in December. The Florida Senate on Thursday gave the thumbs-up to allow such dogs in court for children testifying in abuse, abandonment and neglect cases, sending the bill to Gov. Rick Scott's desk. (File/WUFT News)

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.

The Associated Press is a wire service to which WUFT News subscribes.