South Australia’s much-loved inaugural canine court companion, Zero, has passed away following a lost battle with cancer.
Paying tribute to Zero (pictured before his retirement last August), Attorney-General and Minister for Planning and Local Government, Josh Teague said the trailblazing Labrador had made history and left a significant mark on the hearts of staff at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
“Be it in the ODPP or in the courtroom, Zero’s presence provided invaluable comfort to hundreds of vulnerable witnesses and victims of crime,” Mr Teague said.
“He was able to pick up on their anxiety, soothe and settle them as they provided critical evidence,” he said.
“By putting a paw on their lap, sitting at their feet or simply looking at them, Zero was able to calm those who needed his help and support through the court process.”
Mr Teague said that last year Zero received the Premier’s Excellence Award for public sector values, the first dog to be honoured with the award.
Director of Public Prosecutions, Martin Hinton said Zero had retired from active service last August but had continued to come in to the ODPP while being cared for by his handler.
“Zero was very much a part of the family in this office, and he will be greatly missed by all,” Mr Hinton said.
Chief Executive Officer of Guide Dogs SA/NT, Aaron Chia said the search was on for a dog to continue the legacy left by Zero in supporting victims of crime.
“Zero’s legacy is one of kindness and love, even as those he supported were going through trauma most of us could never even begin to imagine,” Mr Chia said.
