Jackson County Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mary K. Hanna-Rezmierski was the guest speaker at the Oct. 18 meeting of NALS of Jackson County, with a presentation about the new canine advocate program.
Prosecuting Attorney Jerry Jarzynka announced in mid-September that his office will be getting a canine advocate.
“The canine advocate or comfort dog will be very helpful to witnesses coming to court to testify, especially for children who are victims,” he said. “We have been researching canine advocates and comfort dogs since my first year in office. We actually had a visit from a dog and his trainer during a staff meeting in 2013. It can be a lengthy process to obtain such a highly trained animal and we are very excited to finally be getting a canine advocate.”
The highly successful Child Advocacy Center has involved the interviews of many children who have been sexually abused. Last year alone there were over 200 interviews held at the Child Advocacy Center and this has led to a better screening of cases for prosecution. “The canine advocate will be very helpful for children witnesses who are called to testify in court regarding sexual abuse,” Jarzynka said.
Dr. Sue Sayles of the Brooklyn Road Veterinary Clinic agreed to donate veterinary services. “We are very grateful to Dr. Sayles and the Brooklyn Road Veterinary Clinic for helping children and our community by providing veterinary care for our comfort dog,” Jarzynka said.
Other costs of the canine advocate will be covered by donations from local businesses and organizations.
The canine advocate will come from the Leader Dogs for the Blind organization and will be specially trained. The dog is expected to come to the office in about 6 months.
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