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Labrador named Westminster Dog of the Year
“I am delighted to have won Westminster Dog of the Year with my terrific pooch Rocky."
Competition focuses on training and behaviour

The coveted ‘Westminster Dog of the Year’ title has this year been given to Labrador Rocky, who belongs to Labour MP Tracy Brabin.

Alongside his owner, the seven-year-old dog canvassed for votes from the public before meeting a panel of judges. This year’s competition, organised by the Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club, focused on the importance of training and behaviour, and the life skills these bring to owners and dogs.

Commenting on their win, Tracy Brabin said: “I am delighted to have won Westminster Dog of the Year with my terrific pooch Rocky. He had such a fantastic day, meeting all the other ‘paw-litical’ candidates and I’m really thrilled that he managed to wag his way to victory. I am very proud that he has been part of an event that promotes responsible dog ownership.”

Dogs Trust chairman Graeme Robertson, added: “We are thrilled with the number of MPs and commendable canines who competed for the title of Westminster Dog of the Year 2017.

"It’s always wonderful to see the bond between dogs and their owners, and Rocky and Tracy really stood out for this very reason, not to mention their ‘paw-litical’ prowess. I would like to thank the MPs and their devoted dogs for taking part.”

Leading the opposition in second place was beagle Bonnie, who is owned by Rebecca Pow, MP for Taunton Deane, and in third place, cockapoo Ted, owned by Maria Miller, MP for Basingstoke.

In addition to these awards, the competition also had a winner chosen by the public vote alone. This year’s ‘top dogs’ were Boomer and Corona, both border collies owner by Alex Norris, the MP for Nottingham North.

Image © Dogs Trust

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.