Latest news with #HolyroodDogoftheYear
Scotsman
01-05-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Dog of the Year is raising awareness of pet rehoming service
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now Holyrood's Dog of the Year competition has helped to raise awareness of rehoming services in the area, local MSP Christine Grahame has said. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Ms Grahame took part in the recent event to highlight the good work of local pet rescue centres. Run by Dog's Trust and the Kennel Club, it is held every Spring at the Scottish Parliament, with MSPs able to either enter their own dogs or a 'borrowed' dog from a rescue centre to be crowned Holyrood Dog of the Year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The purpose is to raise the profile of dog welfare issues in Parliament and the wider public. Chrstine Grahame, with Summer and Kim McNeil. For the first time, at the invitation of the Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale MSP, a rescue dog from Borders Pet Rescue, Summer, took part in the annual celebration. Summer, a nine-year-old King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, was used for intensive breeding for years until she could no longer breed, after which she she was cast aside and came into the centre's care. She has now been found a permanent home locally. Ms Grahame said: 'Borders Pet Rescue does such a wonderful job and Summer was lucky indeed to find a home through them. She did not win a prize in this year's contest but, better than that, she has won a loving home.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The service has been dedicated to the rescue and re-homing of domestic pets since 1988, with the twin purposes of finding suitable loving homes for abandoned and unwanted pets and to promote responsible pet ownership through education and training. Each year the charity rehomes more than 200 animals and aims to improve its capacity and facilities to better meet the needs of the local community. Kim McNeil, centre manager, said: 'Sadly, Summer's story is not unique. We are seeing far too many dogs coming into our care after being used solely for breeding, only to be discarded when they can no longer produce puppies. 'For anyone thinking of welcoming a dog into their life, I would warmly encourage you to visit Borders Pet Rescue or your local rescue centre. There are so many wonderful dogs, like Summer, just waiting for a second chance at happiness.' Further information about Borders Pet Rescue can be found at
Scotsman
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
Scotland can and must be a great country for dogs
I was delighted to take part in the annual Holyrood Dog of the Year competition this week. It's an annual event that puts MSP pooches against one another to raise support for animal welfare charities. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Entering with my office manager Ryan's wonderful dog Nova, a beautiful Cocker Spaniel, my team had a ball taking part in the judging and competitions. Scottish Green Party co-leader Lorna Slater Scotland is proud of its reputation as a nation of animal lovers. Across our towns, cities and countryside, dogs are beloved members of our families. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad That's why it is so important that we take their welfare seriously, ensuring that every dog in Scotland is treated with the compassion and respect they deserve. Mark Ruskell MSP Last week, my Scottish Green colleague Mark Ruskell MSP introduced a Bill to ban Greyhound racing in Scotland — a significant and long-overdue step for dog welfare. Greyhounds are graceful and gentle animals, but they often endure injuries, poor living conditions and a lifetime of stress for the sake of gambling company profits. Mark's Bill seeks to bring our laws in line with public sentiment. The Welsh Government recently announced they would be following New Zealand's lead and our parliament's plans to implement a band, sadly there is no intention to follow suit in England. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We are fortunate to have brilliant organisations working tirelessly to promote and enhance animal welfare. The Dogs Trust for instance, has long championed responsible dog ownership, education, and rehoming services. Their work supporting rescue dogs is nothing short of lifesaving. The Kennel Club also plays a vital role in promoting best practices in breeding and dog care, advocating for health and welfare standards that help prevent suffering before it starts. However, these organisations cannot do it alone. Governments must match the compassion shown by campaigners and the public with firm, fair legislation. Banning greyhound racing is one part. We must also tackle puppy farming, enforce stricter penalties for abuse and better regulate breeding practices to protect the health of dogs. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Every dog should have a safe, loving home — and a life free from harm and exploitation. That's what Nova has and what every dog deserves. Together, with the expertise of organisations like the Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club, we can make Scotland a true leader in dog welfare — a country where kindness prevails and where every dog can live a safe, secure and happy life.
STV News
28-04-2025
- Politics
- STV News
‘Failed sheepdog' Jim crowned Holyrood Dog of the Year
MSP Jenni Minto's 'failed sheepdog' has been crowned Holyrood's Dog of the Year in the annual competition at the Scottish Parliament. Border Collie Jim won first place at the annual competition, which was held at the Scottish Parliament Gardens on Monday. 13 MSPs entered the competition, which is being held for the seventh time. Some brought their own pets, and others were given a rescue dog. The annual contest is organised by the Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club to raise awareness of the issues affecting dogs today. STV News Border Collie, Jim, took first place, followed by Kura San, a flat-coated Retriever, in second place and Buster, a Dogs Trust rescue dog, in third. Leading the opposition in second place was Kura San, a flat-coated retriever, owned by Tess White, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party MSP for North East Scotland, while third place was awarded to Buster, a Dogs Trust rescue dog, accompanied by Jamie Halcro Johnston, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party MSP for Highlands and Islands. The judging panel, Helen Kerfoot, chief Canine Health, events and activities officer at The Kennel Club, Sue Murphy, Dogs Trust trustee, and Marie McNair MSP, 2024 winner of the Holyrood Dog of the Year with Biewer Terrier, Heidi, spent the morning with dogs from different political persuasions and ambitions. Jim was recognised by judges for his 'loveable character and strong bond' with owner Jenni Minto, SNP MSP for Argyll and Bute. Minto said Jim was meant to be a working sheepdog and may have been abandoned 'or worse'. The MSP said he was really pleased with the win and added that he would be wearing his ribbon with pride on the beaches of Isla. STV News MSP Jenni Minto's Border Collie, Jim, took first place at the annual competition. 'Jim means so much to me, I think he's got such an interesting back story given that he was meant to be a working dog, but when he ended up in a field of sheep, he sat in the corner with his back to them,' she said. 'For him to have that kind of start, and he's just come into our family and he's the most loving dog, I'm just really pleased for him because I think he's got such a nice personality.' She added: 'As an MSP knowing I've got Jim to get back to at weekends is just so important to me, for my wellbeing and I love him to bits.' Craig Hoy MSP and his dog Roma took home the top prize for the 'pawblic' vote. STV News Craig Hoy MSP and his dog Roma, took home the top prize for the pawblic vote. 'Roma has been an absolute star today and we are delighted to win the pawblic vote. I know Roma through the local pub where she is very popular,' he said. 'Dogs provide such companionship and ease feelings of loneliness and pubs are great places for bringing people together.' Helen Kerfoot, chief Canine Health, Events and Activities officer at The Kennel Club said: 'Congratulations to Jim and Jenni for being crowned the seventh winners of Holyrood Dog of the Year. 'It was a difficult choice as there was such strong competition this year, so we'd like to thank all those who took part,' she said. 'Dogs are known as man's best friend for a reason and Holyrood Dog of the Year is a fantastic way to celebrate these special relationships, as well as raising awareness of the issues currently affecting the nation's dogs.' Claire Wilson-Leary, public affairs manager at Dogs Trust added: 'Thanks to all the MSPs and their canine companions for taking part in Holyrood Dog of the Year and many congratulations to Jim and Jenni for taking home this year's title. 'As all dog owners know, there is nothing quite like the love, loyalty and devotion you experience when you welcome a dog into your family, and today's event is all about celebrating the unique and special bond we have with our amazing canine friends.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
