Things are Getting Pawlitical at Westminster


Fleur Anderson's dog Toto up against other MP's pooches

Fleur Anderson with Toto
Fleur Anderson with Toto

On Thursday 28 October, Fleur Anderson, Labour MP for Putney and her Cavachon, Toto, will compete with other politicians and their pooches to win the coveted title of Westminster Dog of the Year 2021.

Following a two-year hiatus, dogs of all shapes and sizes, regardless of breed, creed or ‘pawlitical’ persuasion, will head to Victoria Tower Gardens with their two-legged MP owners to see who will be crowned Parliament’s top dog.

They are asking everyone to get behind them and vote for Toto to be our local top dog and represent all local animal lovers. To vote for Fleur Anderson MP and Toto and see the other entrants click here.

Organised jointly by Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club, the competition offers the unique chance for Fleur Anderson MP to show off her loyal canine companion, eight-year-old Toto.

With the boom in dog ownership during the pandemic, this year’s event focuses on promoting responsible dog ownership, making sure that, alongside the joys of having a dog, owners recognise the responsibility they have to ensure that their pet is a positive member of the community and is able to live a happy and healthy life. Additionally, the competition encourages an open dialogue on dog welfare issues, as well as providing an opportunity for MPs to meet with experts to discuss all aspects of the canine world.

Toto’s proud owner explains, “Toto loves life so much that it’s infectious. He’s so excited by every new day that he makes every day exciting for all of us.

“He’s not the kind of dog that would normally win prizes but he represents everything great about having a dog and will always be a winner to me. He’s very loving and really enjoys meeting my constituents. Whenever I take him canvassing or to events, he’s the star of the show.

“Westminster Dog of the Year is not only a fun event to be involved in but also provides a great opportunity to highlight the importance of responsible dog ownership and the work MPs are doing to improve dog welfare.”

Toto looking to become Westminster Dog of the Year
Toto looking to become Westminster Dog of the Year

MPs will also be calling for their supporters to vote for their canine companions in a bid to win the ‘paw-blic’ vote, with additional judging on the day by representatives from Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club, which will review the contestants on their heroic doggy deeds and winning personalities. After votes have been cast, one lucky pooch will take home the ultimate parliamentary privilege of the ‘Westminster Dog of the Year 2021’ title.

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October 15, 2021