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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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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.