Mims Davies, MP for Mid Sussex and her 10-year-old Cockapoo, TJ, are hoping to be named top dog at Westminster Dog of the Year 2023
Taking place on Thursday 14 September, at Victoria Tower Gardens in London, Westminster Dog of the Year 2023 is an opportunity for MPs from across the ‘pawlitical’ divide to highlight the unique role dogs play in society.
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.
Mims Davies and TJ 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.
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.
Commenting, Mims said:
TJ is my biggest supporter and is excellent as he never barks his criticism at me. His loving and gentle nature is unparalleled, and he deserves the recognition after all the years of his calming and charming presence on the ‘pawlitical’ trail. He is the winner for me and an inspiration in his ability to adapt to any situation thrown at him and be part of the team. His calming presence has garnered quite a fanbase in Mid Sussex when joining me out canvassing, at local pubs after a walk or during constituency surgeries, giving us all a cuddle and morale boost.
“This occasion is a great opportunity to highlight an important issue, particularly in light of rising dog ownership in the past few years. My constituents have contacted me a number of times expressing their concerns about safety of their companions. TJ is just as much a member of my family as anyone else and we need to make sure our community is supported and feeling safe and that all dogs and owners are part of making sure walking safely or meeting in the park is a pleasurable and positive experience rather than something that causes stress and upset.
For more information and to vote for Mims and TJ, visit: Westminster dog of the year | Events | Kennel Club (thekennelclub.org.uk)