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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 27th October 2017
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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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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.