Commissioners approve a dog for the DA’s office

UMATILLA COUNTY – The Umatilla County Board of Commissioners has unanimously approved the addition of an emotional support animal. The canine will be assigned to the victims’ witness program to assist victims of crime during meetings, court proceedings, while testifying, and potentially at crime scenes. District Attorney Dan Primus will be the dog’s handler.

“I am so excited to have another way in which to make the legal process a little easier and a little less scary for our victims,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Jaclyn Jenkins said. “I believe that our victims’ dog will be a friendly face, a warm presence, and a body full of joy for people who could use more of all those things.”

The canine will undergo specialized training at the Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution that will be supervised by the nonprofit Joys of Living program in Salem. The dog will be trained to provide emotional support and comfort to victims of crime during stressful and potentially traumatic situations. More information about Joys of Living is available at https://www.joydogs.org/.

By approving the concept, Umatilla County has agreed to provide financial support for the care of the dog including food; accessories including a crate, leash, and vest; and routine veterinary care and emergency medical expenses as required. The date of the dog’s arrival depends on its training.

Photo from Joys of Living Assistance Dogs’ Facebook page

---

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

---

---