Local elections 2024: Dogs at polling stations

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Voters in parts of England and Wales are heading to the polls today to elect councillors and mayors in the local elections. Many combine an exercise in democracy with walking their dogs.

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Ava, a 7-year-old rescue greyhound, poses for a photo outside a polling station in Hillingdon

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Cinna, an 8-year-old rescue dog from Greece, was also with owners at St Alban's Church

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It was beginning to get crowded outside the polling station at The Salt House in West Bay

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This little dog was raring to go at a polling station at St. Paul's church in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham

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It's a waiting game - this patient pooch was spotted outside the Bank View cafe polling station at Langsett, Stocksbridge

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It was a learning day for this guide dog in training outside Weston Park Museum polling station in Sheffield

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There were signs of fatigue as this pet was waiting for their human in London

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Dogs, apart from assistance dogs, are generally not allowed inside polling stations. But in Leigh on Sea, this eager dog snuck a peek

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Black labrador Dax and Cookie the terrier were snapped in Putney, London - on Cookie's first visit to a polling station

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For Wiggles, it was off to accompanying her owner to vote in London's Stamford Hill

Image source, Hugh Greenish
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Hugh Greenish from London took his whippets, Vancouver and Halifax, out to vote in matching bright orange outfits

Image source, Carly Appleby
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Three-year-old Polly always goes to vote with her owner Carly Appleby, in the Cotswolds in Cirencester

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Dog tired? Talia, also known as Schnozz, accompanied Helen Richardson to the polling station this morning

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And finally, best in tow? This teckel toddled off to their local polling station in north London

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