COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners voted during their work session on Thursday to bring forward a request from Prosecutor Zach Stempien to have a facility therapy canine for the purpose of victim advocacy and comfort.
Stempien told Commissioners state law allows prosecutors to use this kind of canine in child abuse and sexual assault cases.
The canine helps relax victims of crime whether they are children or vulnerable adults who have to testify.
Stempien said the Golden Retriever will be a highly trained dog.
Stempien said the canine would be trained through Magnum K-9 and would cost about $6,500. The cost for maintenance and care would be paid out of the prosecutors line item for criminal forfeiture funds.
Formal action by Commissioners is scheduled to take place next Tuesday.
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