QUEENSLAND’S FIRST COURT DOG HAS OFFICIALLY BEEN SWORN IN TO SUPPORT WITNESSES

Meet Leo the Labrador Retriever, Australia’s newest court dog stepping into the witness box this November.

In today’s episode of Bark and Order, we have some exciting news! Queensland has welcomed its first-ever court dog—a golden Labrador named Leo—who will help ease stress for witnesses during trials. Brisbane becomes the fourth Australian city to join the National Court Dog Program, alongside Melbourne, Hobart, Sydney, Parramatta, and Newcastle.

Leo was officially sworn in on Monday, October 13, at the Harry Gibbs Commonwealth Law Courts Building in Brisbane. Wearing a smart blue vest, he took his oath of office and sealed the ceremony with a paw print on the official documentation.

Trained and matched to the courts by Guide Dogs Australia, Leo and his handler will begin their duties in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia from November 2025.

Shannon Daykin, President of the Family Law Practitioners Association (FLPA), said: “The National Court Dog Program has already made a significant impact in helping adults and children feel supported, comfortable, and less anxious when attending court in other states. FLPA is honoured to help bring this program to Brisbane.”

In the courtroom, Leo’s role is to provide comfort and emotional support to vulnerable litigants, witnesses, and children. He may sit in the gallery or witness box, either at their side or at their feet—always on a lead with his handler nearby. Previous cases have shown that the presence of court dogs can bring a sense of calm and normality to the often-intimidating environment of justice, encouraging people to open up, providing a healthy distraction from stress or trauma, and offering a comforting source of touch.

What a truly pawsitive impact!