MP's pooch 'hot contender' for Westminster Dog of the Year (From Enfield Independent)

David Burrowes MP's pooch Cholmeley 'hot contender' for Westminster Dog of the Year

5:30pm Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News By Hermione Wright

An MP has high hopes his pooch will be named Westminster Dog of the Year tomorrow.

David Burrowes, MP for Enfield Southgate, has entered his two-year-old Labrador Cholmeley in the annual competition organised by Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club.

The political pet will be up against other MPs’ canine friends, including Hendon MP Matthew Offord with his dog Maximus and Ealing Central and Acton MP Angie Bray with pooch Poppy.

The 23 canines will be judged on their heroic deeds, personalities and acts of devotion as well as their completion of a doggy dash.

Cholmeley was attacked in Arnos Park in May by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, leaving him needing treatment at the vets for two bitten legs.

The Conservative MP said: “Cholmeley and I are extremely excited to be representing Enfield Southgate and going head to head with my fellow MPs at this year’s Westminster Dog of the Year.

“I have every faith that Cholmeley will give the other dogs a run for their money as Cholmeley is full of energy and has a lovely nature which I’m hoping will wow the judges and make him a hot contender for the title.”

The competition aims to encourage discussion about dog welfare, as well as demonstrating the importance of dogs in people's lives.

The judging panel includes Clarissa Baldwin OBE, CEO of Dogs Trust, Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, and last year’s winner, MP for Tiverton and Honiton Neil Parish.