QUEENS, N.Y. — Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has introduced a new team member to the District Attorney’s Office: Kimi, a 2-year-old golden retriever and Labrador retriever mix, who will serve as a facility dog to support crime victims and witnesses. Provided free of charge by Canine Companions, Kimi is the only facility dog currently working in a district attorney’s office in New York City. She will primarily assist in special victims and domestic violence cases.
“Kimi has been an extraordinary addition to our team here at the Queens District Attorney’s Office,” said Katz. “She’s affectionate, highly trained and has already assisted survivors and witnesses, putting them at ease. It is extremely difficult to speak about traumatic events, and service dogs like Kimi help vulnerable people feel more comfortable as they navigate through a prosecutor’s office and the courthouse.”
Kimi, who began working at the office in August, has already assisted in three cases, including two involving children. Partnered with Queens District Attorney’s Office Detective Investigator Dionisia Mikalef, Kimi is available to provide support in any situation where prosecutors believe her presence will help victims or witnesses.
Acting Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Saloni Sethi emphasized the role animals play in providing emotional support to survivors. “Pets and animals are vital to the lives of survivors of domestic violence, providing emotional support and comfort during their healing journey,” Sethi said.
Canine Companions, a national nonprofit organization that has placed more than 8,000 service dogs since its founding in 1975, provided Kimi after training her in over 40 commands designed to reduce anxiety and offer a calming presence.
Kimi’s placement coincides with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, during which District Attorney Katz is urging anyone in need to reach out to the city’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE.
