Following the success of Westminster’s and Holyrood’s favourite canine event, we are delighted to announce that the inaugural Senedd Dog of the Year competition will be held in May 2024, taking place at Britannia Park in Cardiff.
Click here to read this copy in Welsh.
Senedd Dog of the Year, organised by us and Dogs Trust, is open to all MSs, regardless of breed or ‘pawlitical’ persuasion, and aims to showcase dogs as an important member of the family. This competition will enable us and Dogs Trust to engage with Welsh parliamentarians who are passionate about dogs and to identify those who are willing to raise canine issues and policies in the Senedd.
The media are invited to watch the politicians ‘show’ their dogs and raise awareness of key issues which affect canine welfare. Past issues raised in our other events include the effects of fireworks on dogs and the importance of dogs training and socialisation.
Celebrating a unique bond
The competition celebrates the unique bond between dogs and their owners, and aims to promote responsible dog ownership. All parliamentarians’ dogs are able to enter.
Message from Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, explains: "We're delighted to extend the pawlitical excitement to Wales and introduce the inaugural Senedd Dog of the Year competition. This won’t be just a typical dog event; judges will primarily be looking for signs of loyalty, devotion and most importantly, friendship. For one day, we will put political persuasions aside and enjoy celebrating the fantastic human-canine bond, while highlighting the importance of responsible dog ownership and advocating for better dog welfare.”
Message from Mark Beazley, Chief Executive of The Kennel Club
Mark Beazley, Chief Executive of The Kennel Club continued: “We are pleased to be hosting the inaugural Senedd Dog of the Year competition with Dogs Trust. The competitions are fun, light-hearted events that serve as an opportunity celebrate the unique bond between people and their dogs, but they also provide an opportunity to raise awareness of the actions that need to be taken to ensure that our dogs live happy and healthy lives.”
More about why we run this event
The media are invited to watch the politicians show their dogs and raise awareness of key issues which affect canine welfare. Past issues raised in our other events include the effects of fireworks on dogs and the importance of dogs training and socialisation.
In a bid to win the ‘pawblic’ vote, MSs will call for their supporters to vote for their four-legged friends. In conjunction with the public vote, judges also assess the pooches based on their heroic deeds and winning personalities in order to crown the overall winner.
Vote for your Senedd Dog of the Year 2024
Voting will open once the deadline for applications has passed.
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Don't forget we also run Westminster Dog of the Year and Holyrood Dog of the Year!