Look out Larry! No 10’s got a dog
THE newest resident of Downing Street will be a Jack Russell puppy saved from certain death at the hands of sick dog traders, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
Amid a turbulent week in Westminster, Boris Johnson and girlfriend Carrie Symonds will welcome in the as-yet-unnamed 15-week-old puppy abandoned by a Welsh farmer for having an undershot and misaligned jaw, meaning he could not be sold.
The dog was rescued by Eileen Jones, of Friends of Animals Wales, a small volunteer-run rescue shelter based in the valleys of South Wales. It specialises in rescuing and rehabilitating sick and discarded farm dogs. A source said the puppy could arrive as soon as tomorrow and, unlike No10 cat Larry, he will belong to Mr Johnson and Miss Symonds rather than whoever occupies Downing Street. Insiders say the new arrival is young enough to be trained to get along with the famously territorial Chief Mouser.
Earlier this month, the PM polled No10 staff on whether to get a dog and received an overwhelming ‘yes’ from his team. A number of staff have also volunteered for dog-walking duties.
Mr Johnson and Ms Symonds are hoping to raise awareness for new strict anti-puppy farming legislation, known as Lucy’s Law, which comes into force next April.
The clampdown targets thirdparty puppy sellers who breed dogs often in terrible conditions in large agricultural sheds and then sell them to pet shops.
Lucy’s Law is named after a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called Lucy, who was rescued from a puppy farm.
She died in 2016 after just three years enjoying freedom, succumbing to life-threatening ailments caused by her breeding.
The Tory legislation was spearheaded by TV vet and PupAid founder Marc Abraham and backed by celebrities including Ricky Gervais, Rachel Riley and Brian May. From next year, it will be illegal to sell a puppy or kitten without seeing it interacting with its mother in the place where it was born, making all breeders accountable and giving the public complete transparency.
Last night, Mr Abraham said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted that the Prime Minister and Carrie have chosen to rescue a puppy, which will hugely help to highlight Lucy’s Law.’
He added: ‘Eileen is an absolute hero who has racked up massive vets’ bills picking up these poorly puppies and breeding dogs.
‘I hope this encourages others to adopt and donate to her work.’