*MP Column* 

Recently I entered my three-year-old working Cocker Spaniel, Inca into the ‘Westminster Dog of the Year’ competition in Parliament, an annual, ‘non-pawlitical’ event organised by the Kennel Club.

Although great fun, the competition has a serious side, one that seeks to highlight the many issues and challenges facing man’s best friend.

The competition celebrates the unique bond between man and dog - and aims to promote responsible dog ownership.

Since entering Parliament I’ve been contacted by many constituents about issues such as Puppy Farming, all keen to know what further steps the Government can take to protect dogs and safeguard their welfare.

Locally the issue of picking up after your pooch is one that we need far greater enforcement and education on to clamp down on the minority of irresponsible dog owners that refuse to do the right thing, and ruin it for everyone.

The Responsible Dog Ownership campaign also focuses on the need for dog training, particularly through the Good Citizen Dog Scheme, pet identification and the encouragement of ethical treatment of dogs by preventing them suffering and even dying in hot cars over the summer months.

My constituents have contacted me many times on these issues and I hope that promoting the work of the Kennel Club and similar organisations will put an even bigger spotlight on these matters.