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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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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.