Please attribute all content to the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference (TNDAGC).
[February 10, 2026] NASHVILLE, TN – A new law in Tennessee now allows facility dogs to be used to help victims and witnesses testify in courtrooms throughout the state with a judge’s approval. Up until now, these dogs had only been utilized in a handful of judicial districts during courtroom testimony, and also during forensic interviews.
As seen in the video below, these certified and highly trained facility dogs often bring comfort to vulnerable witnesses, like children, giving them an added sense of security when asked to discuss sensitive topics in often highly stressful situations, such as jury trials. Families interested in learning more about the program and process of utilizing a facility dog can contact their local district attorney’s office.
For news outlets interested in using this footage, the interviews, and photos of the dogs for news and public service purposes, you can access those through a downloadable file below. This file also includes a video with no music and lower third graphics. For additional interview requests, contact Brandi Hitt (bmhitt@tndagc.org).
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About the TNDAGC
The Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference was created by the General Assembly in 1961 to provide for a more prompt and efficient administration of justice in the courts of the state. It is composed of the elected District Attorneys General from the state’s 32 judicial districts.