Selaine Saxby, Conservative MP for North Devon and her three-year-old Labrador, Henry, 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.
Selaine Saxby and Henry 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.
Proud owner, Selaine Saxby, MP for North Devon, explains:
“Henry is an incredible support, always enthusiastic and friendly. He can be very energetic, but also has an empathic side – he always knows how to cheer me up. He is an unreplaceable part of the family. When meeting my constituents in North Devon, he is always a firm favourite.
“The significant rise in dog ownership over the past two of years, has resulted in a share of trouble for our beloved friends, and I’m very happy to use this opportunity to highlight these issues and express my support for Dogs Trust, nationally as well as locally in my constituency.
“Henry and I love walking along the coast and being able to do so without stress and worry is incredibly important to both of us. Dog owners ensuring their pet is prepared to go out in the world and feels comfortable in a variety of environments is the way to achieve that.”
For more details of all the MPs and dogs entered for Westminster Dog of the Year and to vote for Selaine Saxby MP and Henry, visit thekennelclub.org.uk/wdoty.
