TJ the cockapoo, 10, probably wondered what all the fuss was about as the cameras crowded round. But, sitting on the podium after winning Westminster Dog of the Year today, his MP owner, Work and Pensions minister Mims Davies, was visibly delighted.
Work and Pensions minister Mims Davies and cockapoo TJ
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She said he’d be celebrating by going to ministerial meetings and called for the culture at Parliament to change and be open to dogs coming into work. Plus, she said he was ‘a country boy’ and would be having ‘a long lie down.’
Held in Victoria Gardens next to the Houses of Parliament, the event is a highlight in the Westminster calendar and returned today following a break last year due to the Queen’s death.
The competition has been running since 1992
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The competition, running since 1992, is organised by The Dog’s Trust and The Kennel Club. It aims to highlight the special role dogs play, and the work that MPs do around animal welfare.
Cadi, a working cocker spaniel owned by Labour MP Anna McMorrin came second, with Bertie, a black labrador owned by Conservative MP James Daly, came third.
There was also a special prize, the Sir David Amess Pawblic Award, voted on by the public. Paco, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel of Labour MP Rosie Duffield scooped the award, created in memory of the late Sir David Amess, who was murdered at a constituency surgery in Southend in October 2021. He was a passionate animal lover and campaigner.
Peter Gibson, Conservative MP for Darlington, told GB News: "Pooches don't often get to come to Parliament"
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The focus this year is on ‘responsible pet ownership’; particularly pertinent following the attacks last weekend by an American Bully XL dog. Several MPs suggested legislation needs to change.
The one no-show was Poppy the labrador and her owner, Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt. Rishi Sunak’s labrador Nova was never expected to make an appearance.
Around 29 per cent of us now have a dog, with an estimated 11 million in the UK. There’s been a surge in pet ownership in recent years, especially during the pandemic.
As PM, Boris Johnson brought Dilyn, a terrier cross from a Welsh puppy farm, into Number 10.
His then Chancellor Sajid Javid already had his Cavapoo Bailey living in Number 11. Dilyn had a reputation for causing chaos, but Sunak’s dog is said to be better trained.
The show is organised by The Dog’s Trust and The Kennel Club
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Conservative MP for Darlington James Daly, whose dog Bertie came third, is campaigning for Tuk’s Law, which would mean a vet had to check for a microchip before putting a healthy animal to sleep.
And Anna Firth, who represents Sir David Amess’ Southend constituency, is championing Emilie’s Law, to clamp down on dog on dog attacks.
