Judges Tighten Rules on Emotional Support Animals in Courtrooms

New guidance requires proof of training and medical necessity to curb disruptions caused by untrained ESAs in legal proceedings.

Judges in England and Wales are advised to block untrained emotional support animals (ESAs) from courtrooms unless evidence of training and medical necessity is provided.
The Equal Treatment Bench Book is being updated to include formal guidance on ESA admission, emphasizing judicial discretion and balancing competing rights.
Recent disruptions caused by untrained ESAs, including barking, growling, and jumping at witnesses, have raised concerns about fairness in court proceedings.
Untrained ESAs have been reported to interfere with genuine assistance animals, potentially undermining their critical role and credibility.
Alternatives, such as allowing remote participation for ESA users, are being recommended to ensure accessibility without compromising courtroom decorum.