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Noodle triumphs over paw-litical opponents
Alan Duncan MP with Noodle

Annual Westminster Dog of the Year competition announces winner

Noodle, an 11-month-old cocker spaniel/poodle cross, belonging to Alan Duncan MP for Rutland and Melton, was declared the winner of the 21st annual Westminster Dog of the Year competition.

Organised by the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, the competition was held in Victoria Tower Gardens in Westminster.

Noodle was up against 13 paw-litical opponents earning votes from the judges and the public. The MPs entering the competition campaigned hard, boasting about their dogs' heroic deeds and acts of devotion.

MP Alan Duncan, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to bits to have won Westminster Dog of the Year. Noodle is a playful and well behaved dog which caught the judges eye and I am very proud of her. I really like this competition as it highlights the importance of responsible dog ownership.”

The judging panel – Clarissa Baldwin, CEO of Dogs Trust, Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, and MP Charlie Elphicke, owner of 2012’s winning dog Star – spent the morning with the dogs and their owners.

Commenting on the reasons Noodle was selected as the winner, Caroline Kisko said: “Again this year we have seen lots of worthy dogs compete for this title and the bond each MP has with their dog is uniquely special. It was a difficult decision to make but Noodle and Alan struck a chord with us all and are clearly popular with their constituents too. Well done to Noodle, you truly deserve the title of Westminster Dog of the Year.”

Leading the opposition in second place was Harry, a fox terrier owned by Simon Reevell, MP for Dewsbury and third place was awarded to Cholmeley, a Labrador owned by MP for Enfield Southgate David Burrowes.

Brodie, an Irish wheaten terrier owned by MP for Falkirk, Eric Joyce, was the winner of the public vote.

Image courtesy of the Kennel Club

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue cases lead to restricted zone extension

Following the detection of new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the restricted zone has been extended to include additional parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire, as well as Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and part of Dorset.

The zone now covers 28 counties and unitary authorities in England. As of 16 December, 185 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in England and Wales during the current vector period.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. Suspected cases in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the area where movement restrictions apply can be found here.