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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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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.