MPs from across the political spectrum united at the annual Westminster Dog of the Year show to call on Parliamentary authorities to make the estate pet-friendly. The event, hosted by the Dogs Trust and the Royal Kennel Club, saw Labour, Tory, Lib Dem and Green members cast party rivalries aside as their pets competed for one of the most important political gongs going.
MPs show support for pet-friendly Parliament
Asked if Parliament would be better if MPs and journalists could bring in their dogs, Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale responded instantly: "My answer would be yes." The MP, who was there with two-year-old English Bulldog Bertie, said: "The thing with Bulldogs, they're really great calm dogs, you can take them into meetings, they come with us everywhere."
Equally enthusiastic was Melanie Onn, proudly parading Golden Retrievers Misty, 6, and Murphy, 3. "I would love for dogs to be allowed on the estate," she said.
Conservative and Green perspectives
And it wasn't just Labour MPs who thought so. Conservative Douglas Lumsden, who was there with Cockalier Norman, said: "He's loved it, he's been quite excited by the whole day. It's the first time he's been down. Dogs are allowed in so many workplaces, I don't see any reason why people shouldn't take their dogs into their office as long as they're well behaved."
Fellow Tory Ben Obese-Jecty said: "Assuming the dog is trained and not dangerous, and they're not going to bark all day and annoy the people in the office next to them, I quite like the idea. I wasn't really a dog person, my other half has got me into dogs - I've been on a Robert Jenrick-style journey."
Winning dog and animal welfare focus
Slightly more cautious was the Green's Hannah Spencer, who said: "I think there needs to be balance, because not everyone likes dogs." The Gorton and Denton MP was there with 11-year-old Judy, who she adopted just a year ago. The adorable greyhound had been used for racing, and then for breeding, and animal charities find it can be harder to find homes for older dogs. "When I got Judy I said I'd show her the world, and then in January (when Ms Spencer was elected) our world changed. It's been really rewarding, she's a really great advert for rehousing an older dog."
Anna McMorrin, whose cocker spaniel Cadi was awarded first place by the judges, said: "She's been with me for my whole Westminster journey. When I was leaving my abusive ex she was my complete support, I left with my bag and her, she was all I had." Karl Turner, looking at his two-year-old Bichon Frisé Charlie, said: "I think he's a bit of a Tory, he got that privilege, he thinks he's better than everyone else. He's not about sharing."
The annual event is arranged by the Dogs Trust and the Royal Kennel Club to highlight the work Parliament does to support animal welfare. All those who took part have championed legislation around responsible ownership and welfare.
