Royal Kennel Club Public Affairs

@TheKennelClubUK's Public Affairs team.
We work with policymakers to ensure dogs live healthy, happy lives. 🐶

Email us: [email protected] 🐾

[Royal Kennel Club Public Affairs @KC_political]

We welcome @jameswnaish’s parliamentary question asking if there are plans for legislation to ban the sale, not just the ownership of shock collars. Stronger action is needed to protect dogs and uphold the UK’s animal welfare standards. 🐾

[Royal Kennel Club Public Affairs @KC_political]

We welcome the passing of the Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill, making dog theft a standalone offence and ensuring the emotional impact on owners is considered in sentencing. A positive step for dog welfare! Well done to @mgoldenmsp 🎉

[Royal Kennel Club Public Affairs @KC_political]

Thank you Lord Black of Brentwood for asking in the House of Lords what plans there are to enhance domestic animal welfare including prohibiting the use of electric shock collars.

We’re committed to continue working to protect all dogs from this unnecessary harm. 🐾

[Royal Kennel Club Public Affairs @KC_political]

We welcome the Animal Welfare Bill passing the final stages today, a vital step in cracking down on puppy smuggling. We do still urge government to ensure responsible breeders aren’t unfairly impacted, particularly where ethical imports support essential genetic diversity.

[Royal Kennel Club Public Affairs @KC_political]

Also grateful to @A_J_Snowden for highlighting government engagement with animal welfare groups, vets & trainers on electric shock collars #DogWelfare #BanShockCollars

[Royal Kennel Club Public Affairs @KC_political]

Thank you to @A_J_Snowden for raising an important question in Parliament on encouraging breeders to undertake vital health testing & promoting responsible dog acquisition. Ensuring dogs are bred & bought responsibly is essential for protecting dog welfare #ResponsibleBreeding

[Peter Martin @petermartindup]

Maxwell came 2nd place in Stormont Dog of the Year🏆🏆
Thanks to both the @DogsTrust & @TheKennelClubUK for a superbly run & very fun event.
I’ll let Max speak for himself but he has a particular message for DFM @little_pengelly dog Ruby😂

[Emma Little-Pengelly BL @little_pengelly]

She didn't win, but is still top dog to us 🧡💛🤎🐾🐶🦴!! Miss Ruby at Stormont today picking up a 3rd place! 🥉

Thank you @Kscott_94 for the photo!
@DogsTrust @TheKennelClubUK

[Royal Kennel Club Public Affairs @KC_political]

And that’s a pawfect end to the first ever Stormont Dog of the Year! 🏆🐾
Thanks to all our MLAs, their four-legged friends & everyone who voted what a tail-wagging success! @DT_Pawlitical #StormontDOTY

[Royal Kennel Club Public Affairs @KC_political]

🐾 Congratulations to @AndyofAlliance and Rey the winners of the very first Stormont Dog of the Year! 🎉🏆
A pawsome duo celebrating the special bond 🐶 @DT_Pawlitical #StormontDOTY

[Royal Kennel Club Public Affairs @KC_political]

Huge well done to @petermartindup and Maxwell, taking second place in this year’s Stormont Dog of the Year!
A truly tailwagging achievement 🐾✨
@DT_Pawlitical #StormontDOTY

[Royal Kennel Club Public Affairs @KC_political]

🎉 Big congratulations to @little_pengelly and Ruby who’ve claimed third place in the Stormont Dog of the Year competition! 🐶🐾
@DT_Pawlitical #StormontDOTY

[Royal Kennel Club Public Affairs @KC_political]

The Pawblic has spoken!
Daniel McCrossan MLA and Hudson are this year’s Stormont Dog of the Year Pawblic Vote Winners! 🎉🐾
A huge thank you to everyone who voted and supported their favourite pawlitical pup! @DT_Pawlitical #StormontDOTY

[Royal Kennel Club Public Affairs @KC_political]

🐾 Today’s the day, the very first Stormont Dog of the Year! 🐶✨
Good luck to all the pawlitical pups taking part ! 🏆 #StormontDOTY @DT_Pawlitical

[Royal Kennel Club Public Affairs @KC_political]

This #WorldMentalHealthDay we’re celebrating the dogs who keep our minds healthy and our hearts full. 🐾Their companionship eases stress, reduces loneliness, and brings us hope every day.

Let’s keep supporting the policies that protect them ➡️ https://t.co/Q5mHOHZhfa

[Royal Kennel Club Public Affairs @KC_political]

🐾Great to see Maurice Golden MSP’s Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill has passed Stage 1!

@mgoldenmsp's Bill aims to make dog theft a standalone offence, recognising the theft causes loss to both owner and dog & improve data records on this serious crime.

[Royal Kennel Club Public Affairs @KC_political]

Good news for renters in Scotland as the Housing (Scotland) Bill has passed!

Landlords must now respond promptly & can’t unreasonably refuse pet requests. We welcome this positive step towards making dog ownership more accessible in Scotland.🐶

[Royal Kennel Club Public Affairs @KC_political]

⏰ Don’t forget the Stormont Dog of the Year Pawblic Vote is still open! 🐾
Make sure your favourite MLA pup gets the paw-some recognition they deserve 🐶

Cast your vote today: https://t.co/E80PQwuj6I

@DT_Pawlitical #StormontDOTY2025

[Dogs Trust Public Affairs @DT_Pawlitical]

Lovely Rosie is entering Stormont Dog of the Year with @BrianKingston!

To vote for Rosie to become top dog, vote here; https://t.co/w0gkEtBfqG

@KC_political

[Dogs Trust Public Affairs @DT_Pawlitical]

Adorable Arnie is entering Stormont Dog of the Year with @MatthewOToole2!

To support Arnie in getting to the top, vote here; https://t.co/w0gkEtBNge

@KC_political