VOTING NOW OPEN: The pair are calling on the Castle Point public for support in a special ‘pawblic’ vote
Rebecca is taking part in this year's ‘paw-litical’ showdown, The Westminster Dog of the Year run by the Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club on the 14th of September.
Rebecca is entering with 9-year-old Lola a Saluki she adopted from local rescue in Daws Health- Acres Way. Lola is a gentle giant who despite her hard start in life, is a playful and positive pup who is paw-sitively deserving to take the title this year.
Westminster Dog of the Year is a celebration of the special bond between dogs and their owners and the competition allows MPs to highlight the important work they have undertaken in Parliament on dog related matters. Organised jointly by Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club, Westminster Dog of the Year has been running since 1992.
This year the event focuses on responsible dog ownership, and how, through training, socialisation, and responsible owner behaviour, we can help dogs to lead happy and healthy lives. Westminster Dog of the Year is open to all dog loving MPs and their four-legged friends of all ages, breeds, shapes, and sizes – pedigree and crossbreed alike, to compete for the coveted title.
Rebecca Harris and Lola will be hoping for public support in the Sir David Amess Pawblic Vote, in which MPs and their canine companions are seeking votes from their local constituents.
The award is named in memory of the late Conservative MP who was a staunch advocate for the competition and had campaigned tirelessly to improve and protect dog welfare throughout his life.
Rebecca explains:
‘Lola is an incredibly calm and compassionate dog and she showers all those who meet her with love. After a busy and stressful day she never fails to put a smile on my face and for this reason, she will always be a winner to me.’
Rebecca has long campaigned for improved Animal Welfare. As a Government Whip, Rebecca helped pass the Private Members Bill: ‘The Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Bill’, known as ‘Finn’s Law’, which prevents those who attack or injure service animals from claiming self-defence. She was also proud to support the ‘The Animal Sentencing Act’ which increased the maximum sentencing act for those who abuse animals.
Keep your paws crossed that the judges finally see the light and choose Lola as Westminster Dog of the year!
Additional judging will be carried out on the day by representatives from Dogs Trust, The Kennel Club, and this year’s guest judge, Edward Timpson MP who will consider the contestants on their dog-related deeds.
You can get involved by participating in the Sir David Amess Pawblic Vote Award. For more details of all the MPs and dogs entered for Westminster Dog of the Year and to vote for Rebecca Harris and Lola visit: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/wdoty
