Zeb succeeds Zero as companion dog to calm witnesses/ victims in the criminal courts in South Australia

Labrador Zeb (at right) succeeded Zero who was given a premier’s excellence award for public sector values as South Australia's criminal courts first canine companion.
Main image courtesy 7News, Adelaide.

Zeb, a two-year-old Labrador, in 2022 became the second canine court companion to help vulnerable witnesses and victims feel at ease as they made their way through the South Australian criminal justice system.

Zeb was the second dog to take on the role after South Australia’s inaugural canine court companion, Zero, died earlier in the year.

Like his trailblazing predecessor, Zeb was trained by Guide Dogs South Australia/Northern territory in a joint initiative with the state government’s office of the director of public prosecutions. Under the programme, started in 2019, the dogs offered support to those, especially children, who might become anxious or distressed in their encounters with the criminal justice system.

Zero helped many of the more than 300 child and adolescent victims and witnesses involved in the criminal justice system each year. The South Australian government recognised Zero contribution by awarding him the premier’s excellence award for public sector values. The award acknowledged Zero’s commitment to service, professionalism, trust, respect, courage and tenacity.

Then-attorney-general Vickie Chapman said Zero had helped more than 100 vulnerable victims or witnesses, both during meetings and in the courtroom: “He is able to pick up on their distress, and then provide support in subtle ways, such as leaning into them, sitting by their feet, or looking at them. He helps vulnerable victims and witnesses relax, during what can often be a very difficult time.” Chapman also thanked Zero’s handler Darren Evans.

Guide Dogs SA/NT chief executive Aaron Chia said the organisation trained dogs to support people with all kinds of needs, such as a court companion, assistance or facility dog: “We know from experience how much of a calming effect our lovely Labradors can have.”