Labradors Millie and Perron settle into roles as Perth Children’s Court newest facility dogs

The court of law can be an intimidating place, but these pups are making the process for WA children slightly less daunting.

Labradors Millie and Perron took over as Perth Children’s Court’s facility dogs after Winston — the court’s first facility support dog — retired in October last year.

Children’s Court President Judge Hylton Quail said the pair had settled into their new roles despite their differing personalities.

“Perron is a very boisterous dog, Millie is a bit more chill and relaxed, but both of them still fulfil that really important role in the children’s court,” he told The West Australian.

Millie and Perron — aged three and four, respectively — each work two days a week, offering a positive distraction to kids going through the justice system.

Judge Quail said children and families attending court were often anxious, and said the dogs added a calming presence in the court’s waiting area.

“When kids come to court they’re often very nervous, and they often have to wait quite a while before they go into court, so the dog really just chills the waiting area down,” he said.

“The dog’s impact is beyond the child that is interacting with the dog ... the effect actually flows to the rest of the waiting area.

“People behave better in the presence of a dog, like they almost naturally don’t want to do something bad in front of the dog.”

He said facility dogs were allowed inside the courtroom and were even being used to help children give evidence.

“The kids can be very, very nervous, so the dog can actually help them focus and listen to the magistrate, because they’re comforted,” he said.

“I’m also now using the dogs in our special witness area, and I think that’s the place where we’ve got the most potential going forward to get improved evidence from child witnesses.

“We’ve done it quite a few times now, and I have found in some matters that I’ve done with young children, having a dog in the room ... there have been occasions where I would not have been able to get evidence out of the child without the dog.”

Facility dog officer Roshin Jones said children were allowed to pat, cuddle and play with Millie and Perron.

“When kids see the dogs we see a lot of smiles and a lot of excitement,” she said.

“We spend a lot of time with kids doing longer interactions, (the dogs) can do tricks with them or just settle next to them.”

She said Perron, who has only been in the role for about five months, was a welcome addition to the children’s court.

“We’re very lucky to have him,” she said.

“He’s such a go-getter, he’s so willing, he loves being here, and we try and make it fun for him as well.”