The Florida Bar Animal Law Section honored Mochi, the first rabbit in Florida to assist with courtroom testimony, with the statewide Rikki Mitchell Distinguished Achievement Award. Mochi, a calm rescue rabbit, provided comfort to a young victim during her testimony by allowing her to pet him, helping to ease the stress of the intimidating courtroom experience. The award, named after Rikki, the first therapy dog to accompany child victims in Florida courtrooms, recognizes significant contributions to animal law and welfare in the state.

The ceremony took place at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, where Stephanie Perkins, director of Animal Therapy, highlighted Mochi’s unique role. The Animal Law Section, which includes around 500 members from various legal and non-legal backgrounds, continues to promote animal-related legal issues and will feature animal adoption and therapy events at the upcoming Annual Florida Bar Convention in Boca Raton.