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Rex marks the spot at UK's polling stations

Updated / Thursday, 12 Dec 2019 20:41
His master's vote - Outside a polling station in North London Photo: EPA
His master's vote - Outside a polling station in North London Photo: EPA

Retrievers, beagles, poodles, pugs and more lined up in the rain at Britain's polling stations as thousands of voters brought their canine companions to take part in the general election.

Pet owners took to Twitter to post photographs of their dogs next to polling station signs at schools and community centres across the UK, using the trending hashtag #dogsatpollingstations.

Among the thousands of pets posted were Rex the Labrador, Gemma the Spaniel and a Rok, dressed up in a Scottish Saltire.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson got into the spirit, nuzzling his dog Dilyn at the polling booth, as did Labour Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who turned up with his pet Luna.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Dilyn Photo: PA

Not to be outdone, one local council posted a picture of a horse tied up outside a polling station.

The meme provided light relief from a frequently fractious campaign to decide who will win the crucial election with Brexit on the line.

The UK's Electoral Commission says that while dogs are allowed to join their owners, they should be kept on a lead.

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Accreditation: AFP