Ed Vaizey’s dog pepper up for Westminster Dog of the Year

The King Charles Spaniel/Poodle Cross missed out to a pooch named Corbyn in 2018, but this year the Conservative MP is hoping his dog can win at London's Victoria Tower Gardens on Thursday, September 5.

The annual event – organised by the Dogs Trust and Kennel Club – focuses on promoting responsible dog ownership, to encourage owners to recognise their responsibility to ensure that their dogs are 'a positive member of the community' and healthy and happy.

Mr Vaizey said: “Pepper has become a very important member of our family. She greets us all warmly in the morning, plays with us, enjoys her walks and then snuggles up with us in the evening.

"She makes us all happier, and our children enjoy looking after her. There are so many benefits to owning a dog when you do it responsibly – Pepper loves her training, regular walks and healthy diet."

He continued: “This fun event will be a great chance to highlight the importance of responsible dog ownership and to accelerate the work MPs are doing to improve dog welfare in parliament, particularly around irresponsible breeding and dog theft.”

Details of all the MPs and dogs entered for Westminster Dog of the Year can be found at thekennelclub.org.uk/events/westminster-dog-of-the-year

To vote, visit surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WDOTY2019