Florida House passes bill to allow therapy animals in courts

Children testifying in court in abuse, abandonment and neglect cases would be allowed the help of therapy animals under a bill passed by the Florida House. The bill passed unanimously Thursday and expands a law that already allows therapy animals for victims testifying in sexual offense cases. A legislative analysis of the bill says that research has shown animals reduce stress in children and three Florida district courts that have allowed them have reported positive results. A similar bill in…