Borough votes on its top dogs as theft law progresses
LABRADORS are top dogs, according to an MP’s campaign to find a borough’s favourite dog breed.
To celebrate the progress of a specific law on the theft of pets and strengthening existing laws against puppy smuggling, Dr Luke Evans asked the people of Hinckley and Bosworth to vote for their best breeds.
Hundreds voted, with labradors securing the most votes out of the 51 breeds nominated.
Others that received a high number of nominations included cocker spaniels, border collies, golden retrievers, Staffordshire bull terriers, German shepherds and cockapoos.
The survey was carried out to raise awareness of The Animal Welfare (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill and The Pet Abduction Bill which targets puppy smuggling and makes it a criminal offence to steal pets.
The Bills build on the government’s efforts to enhance animal welfare standards after the UK was the first country in the world to introduce animal cruelty offences.
Dr Luke Evans, MP for Bosworth, has welcomed the Bills.
He said: “We are a nation of animal lovers, but I know Hinckley and Bosworth – in particular – has a passion for pets. I’ve lived around animals my whole life and I’m now the proud owner of two mischievous whippets, Ada and Roux.
“While I was disappointed to see whippets didn’t win, I can understand why labradors did.
“After all, they have a great temperament, are friendly, welcoming and greet everyone with a smile… just like our community!
“I have campaigned for stronger protections for our beloved pets and harsher punishments for those who seek to do them harm, so it’s great to see two pieces of legislation coming forward which will target puppy smuggling and make it a criminal offence to steal pets.”
People were invited to say why their nominated breed deserved to win, with people leaving comments such as “Old English sheepdogs are such clowns, they have no idea of their size and they still want to be lap dogs”.
Another person said: “I have a Frenchie and he is the most loving, loyal, sweetest dog I’ve ever owned.”
A resident, who voted for rescue dogs, said: “Giving a chance to a dog that has been let down by people is a privilege.
“Watching them learn that people can be safe and not hurt them and can actually be a good thing is priceless.”