In Pictures: Major parties fearing ‘ruff’ results as dogs join owners to vote

WorldPolitics

7 May 2026 • 7:18 PM MYT

The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

In Pictures: Major parties fearing ‘ruff’ results as dogs join owners to vote

As voters across the UK head to the polls, many brought along their four-legged friends for support.

Dogs at polling stations – or #dogsatpollingstations – has become a popular hashtag and internet meme on social media during elections in the UK.

Many owners incorporate their journey to vote into the daily dog walk, and a chance for social media fame.

Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Alex Cole-Hamilton arriving at the polling station at Davidson’s Mains Parish Church in Edinburgh, with his dog Bramble (Neil Poran/PA) (PA Wire)

But the elections are expected to be the toughest test for the Prime Minister since the general election in 2024, with devastating results predicted for the Labour Party.

Some 1,850 Labour seats are expected to be lost in councils across England, according to polling guru Lord Robert Hayward.

A dog named Obi-Wan Kenobi outside the St James Church polling station in Edinburgh (Nick Forbes/PA) (PA Wire)

Rory the dog waits next to a sign erected outside the polling station at St James Church hall in Inverleith (Jane Barlow/PA) (PA Wire)

A voter leaves with his dogs after casting a vote in the 2026 local elections at Whitley Bay Cemetery (Owen Humphreys/PA) (PA Wire)

This polling station in Whitley Bay was a particular favourite among dog owners (Owen Humphreys/PA) (PA Wire)

A voter and their dog at Pollokshields Burgh Hall, Glasgow (Andrew Milligan/PA) (PA Wire)

Lotte the wire fox terrier outside Pollokshields Burgh Hall (Andrew Milligan/PA) (PA Wire)

A voter leaves after casting their vote at St Mary’s Church Hall in Whitley Bay (Owen Humphreys/PA) (PA Wire)

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage talking to a man and his dog after casting his vote in Walton-on-the-Naze (Joe Giddens/PA) (PA Wire)

Local elections 2026: What is each party offering voters?

Pictured: The best dogs at polling stations as millions get voting

King attends service for Order of St Michael and St George