Andy’s four-legged friend Rey is top dog at Stormont

Andy’s four-legged friend Rey is top dog at Stormont

22 October 2025

WHILE our politicians compete on the hill to be top dog at the Assembly, they have been left barking mad after the title went to one MLA’s four-legged friend.

South Down MLA Andy McMurray’s dog, Rey, raised the woof when she won the inaugural Stormont Dog of the Year competition, with her owner “pawsitively” delighted with her howling success.

MLAs from across Northern Ireland took part in the competition hosted by the Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club, with Rey taking an early lead, before being crowned the winner and proving that every dog really does have its day.

And there was also a “round of a paws” for West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan’s English Bulldog Hudson which won the competition’s public vote.

After a wuff day engaging in the cut and thrust of government, politicians retire to their homes to be greeted by loved ones and their most loyal of supporters – their pooches whom they are just “mutts about”.

Mr McMurray’s dog is a Bordernese – a Bernese Mountain Dog Cross Collie – who impressed judges from Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club with her wonderful character and strong bond with her owner.

And her “fetching” look certainly caught the judges’ eyes.

The Dog of the Year competition took place at Stormont estate’s dog park, with seven MLAs taking part on the day and it was Rey who showed the dogged determination to beat her ‘paw-litical’ opponents to win the title.

A delighted Mr McMurray said he was so pleased for Rey.

“She means so much to me and being able to take part in this event which celebrates the importance of the human-animal bond, and the joys that dog ownership brings, has been wonderful,” he said.

“I know my children will be very pleased at this as well as she means so much to them.”

Mr McMurray also thanked his wife, Shalene, explaining that Rey is a big part of her life.

“Shalene has spent a lot of time with Rey and the behaviours that won her the title are in large part due to the work she has put in,” he added, thanking the Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club for organising the event and asking him to take part.

Second place went to Maxwell, a Cockapoo owned by North Down MLA Peter Martin, while third spot went to Ruby, a Tibetan Terrier, owned by Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.

Dogs Trust chief executive Owen Sharp, congratulated Mr McMurray and on a well-deserved win.

“It has been a real pleasure to see such a diverse group of dogs take centre stage, each one clearly loved and a true testament to the special role dogs play as part of the family, he said.

“While today has certainly been a lot of fun, events like this also serve an important purpose, shining a light on the powerful bond between people and their pets while helping to raise awareness about key animal welfare issues.”

Owen added: “We’re grateful to all the MLAs who joined us to honour their four-legged companions and support the vital message behind the event.”

Dr Ed Hayes, head of public affairs at The Kennel Club, also congratulated Rey and Mr McMurray on their success.

“The competition has been a fantastic celebration of the unique and important bond between dogs and their owners, and it has been so inspiring to see MLAs from across the political spectrum championing the welfare of dogs in Northern Ireland,” he said.

“We would like to thank all the MLAs who have taken part today and helped raise awareness of dog welfare.”

This year’s competition celebrated the role of dogs as family members, the importance of the human-animal bond, and the joys that dog ownership brings. 

In addition, the event also aimed to draw attention to issues affecting animal welfare across Northern Ireland, such as the need for responsible breeding, regulation of animal rescues and dog pounds, and pet-friendly housing.