Local elections 2024: Dogs at polling stations

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All photos subject to copyright