Editorial: Rauner should move quickly to approve courtroom comfort dogs

Of all the decisions Gov. Bruce Rauner has to make in the coming weeks, one should be a no-brainer.

Rauner should quickly sign into law a bill that allows specially trained dogs in courtrooms to accompany children, 18 and younger, or developmentally disabled adults to the witness stand while testifying in cases involving sexual abuse and exploitation.

Rauner's signature on the bill would make Illinois just the third state in the nation to have a law specifically addressing courtroom dog use and providing specific guidance to judges. The legislation was unanimously approved by the state House and Senate. The aim is for the dogs - known as facility dogs - to provide a measure of comfort at a time when a child or developmentally disabled adult needs it most.

Sitting on the witness stand and recounting horrifying and embarrassing details to a group of strangers and authority figures is a situation that would be agonizing for most adults. So, imagine the trauma a child must go through at that time.

In a courtroom, use of a facility dog could be offered or requested, and a judge would decide if it's warranted in the case. Experts say the dog would be expected to lay quietly at the witness' feet, out of sight of the jury. It would be there to provide a calming and reassuring touch to help the witness through the anxiety of that moment.

Lake County has such a dog and is ready to put it to use in courtrooms.

Earlier this year, the state's attorney's office obtained Mitchell, a nearly 2-year-old yellow Labrador retriever.

While awaiting the anticipated start of his courtroom duties, Mitchell provides similar services in his current assignment at the Children's Advocacy Center in Gurnee. The center is a division of the state's attorney's office that assists in the investigation and prosecution of crimes involving sexual and physical abuse of children.

The dog is available to be with children while they are interviewed by investigators to discuss the trauma they have endured.

"He literally just lays there during the interview," investigator James Magna told the Daily Herald's Bob Susnjara. "He'll kind of lay on their toes most of the time, and (children) love to be able to reach down and pet him and know that he's there during an interview."

Mitchell has been tested during a mock trial, complete with a packed courtroom - he passed with flying colors, officials said.

In the coming weeks, Rauner faces no shortage of tough decisions and negotiations. The state budget mess and other issues will occupy most of his attention, and with good reason.

But signing the facility dog bill into law shouldn't be delayed for weeks, because there also are plenty of traumatized kids in need of a little comfort at a stressful time.