Stephen Morgan MP’s dog, Albert Attlee, is taking part in the Dog’s Trust and Kennel Club’s Westminster Dog of the Year Competition.
Next Thursday, Albert, the labradoodle owned by Portsmouth South’s MP Stephen Morgan, will compete alongside his fellow parliamentary canines for the public vote to raise awareness of animal welfare issues.
The theme of this year’s event focuses on training and behaviour and the vital skills which all dogs and their owners need to build strong relationships with each other. As well as this, the competition encourages an open dialogue on important dog welfare.
Stephen Morgan MP, said:
“I can’t wait to bring Albert to Parliament to show him off and introduce him to his new colleagues. I hope the morning will be good fun, and ultimately confirm what I have always suspected – that Albert is the greatest dog in history.
But this event also represents a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of dog welfare issues. The Animal and Plant Health Agency in partnership with the Dogs Trust have seized approximately 600 puppies at Dover since their initiative began. We really need tighter controls on puppy smuggling.’
MPs will also be calling for their supporters to vote for their canine companion, in a bid to win the ‘paw-blic’ vote, with additional judging on the day by representatives from Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club, which will review the contestants on their heroic doggy deeds and winning personalities.
After all the votes have been cast, one lucky pooch will take home the ultimate parliamentary privilege of the ‘Westminster Dog of the Year 2017’ title.
The Westminster Dog of the Year 2017 competition takes place on Thursday 26 October at Victoria Tower Gardens, Westminster.
The judging panel that will determine which pooch wins the highly desired crown includes last year’s winning dog owner Jonathan Reynolds MP, Stephen Jenkinson of the Kennel Club and Graeme Robertson from Dogs Trust.
You can vote for Portsmouth pup Albert for Westminster Dog of the Year at: www.thekennelclub.org.uk/events/westminster-dog-of-the-year/stephen-morgan-and-albert/
