Support dog helps victims of crime speak up in Haut-Rhin
A judicial assistance dog in Mulhouse helps victims during police interviews, court hearings and medical appointments
Published
A labrador-golden retriever cross named Vaïna has become an unlikely fixture at the police station in Mulhouse (Haut-Rhin) and, according to staff, one of its most effective members.
Vaïna, 19 months old, is France’s latest ‘judicial assistance dog’, trained to calm and reassure victims as they navigate police interviews, court hearings and medical appointments following a crime. She was officially introduced on February 10 at a ceremony attended by the Mulhouse prosecutor, police and gendarmerie representatives.
She works alongside Jessy Parola, a social worker attached to the DAVA victim support service, in whose office she is based when not on duty. The pair work part-time together, sharing a single salaried post due to limited funding.
Trained by the association Handi’Chiens, Vaïna responds to specific commands: lying beside a victim, resting her head on their lap, or fetching an object – actions designed to help people relax before or during a difficult conversation. Staff say she can sense rising stress, sometimes nuzzling or gently pawing a person’s hand at moments of tension.
Similar schemes exist in some airports, including at Nice Côte d’Azur, where dogs help to calm nervous flyers.
Since starting work, Vaïna has taken part in at least 35 sessions, including with victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and school bullying.
Mulhouse prosecutor Nicolas Heitz says her presence helps people relive traumatic events with less distress, which in turn can help investigators get closer to the truth. Scientific studies, including one from 2025, have linked dogs’ presence to lower cortisol, the stress hormone.
Mulhouse is the 35th French department to introduce such a scheme, following a 2023 agreement between the Justice Ministry and associations Handi’Chiens and France Victimes, aiming to have a judicial assistance dog in every department by the end of 2025.
Running the programme costs around €45,000 a year, covering Mrs Parola’s post, plus Vaïna’s food, veterinary care and insurance.
So far, funding has come from the CAF (€10,000), the justice ministry and the MSA agricultural social fund (€2,000 each), while pet store chain Botanic supplies her food.
Organisers are now appealing for further sponsors to financially secure the scheme for the long term, and eventually fund a full-time post.
