Mid Sussex MP Mims Davies enters cockapoo in Westminster Dog of the Year contest: will they win the ‘paw-blic’ vote?

The annual event, which is run by Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club, takes place on Thursday, September 15.

The Conservative MP has entered her nine-year-old cockapoo, TJ, in the competition, which returns for its 29th year.

She said: “TJ is my biggest supporter and deserves the centre stage after all of his years of loyalty and service with canvassing in the constituency.

“He brightens not only my day, but everyone he meets with his charming ways and his beautiful, kind heart and adapts to any situation with ease.

“He deserves to win Westminster Dog of the Year 2022 because he is a unique bundle of joy – everyone he meets falls under his doggy spell and walks away with a new best friend.”

Westminster Dog of the Year 2022 is open to all MPs and their dogs and will be at Victoria Tower Gardens in London.

In 2021 the title and public vote was awarded to French Bulldog Vivienne and the late Sir David Amess, who carried out extensive work to improve and protect dog welfare throughout his life.

In memory of the MP who died last year, the public vote prize has been renamed the Sir David Amess Pawblic Vote Award.

MPs are now seeking votes from their supporters for their dogs.

This year the event focuses on the issue of fireworks, which can cause dogs distress throughout the year.

The competition will provide a platform for guidance on how dog owners can minimise the stress experienced by their pets, as well as encourage the Government to explore what can be done to better regulate the use of fireworks in the UK.

Additional judging will be carried out on the day by representatives from Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club, who will consider the contestants on their dog-related deeds.

For more details about all the MPs and dogs entered for Westminster Dog of the Year 2022 and to cast your vote visit thekennelclub.org.uk/wdoty.