Stoke Newington Dog Is Finalist In PETA’S ‘Cutest Mutt In The Uk’ Contest

For Immediate Release:
10 March 2010

Contact:
Sam Glover 020 7357 9229, ext 229; [email protected]

Stoke Newington, Greater London – Just a day before the Kennel Club’s Crufts dog show begins, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is announcing the top 10 finalists out of thousands of entrants in an online competition to find the cutest mixed-breed rescue dog in the UK. The competition showcases just how beautiful, healthy and good-natured mixed-breed dogs can be, and 6-year-old Johnny Sunshine from Stoke Newington is a top contender for the title.

Johnny Sunshine – who was found wandering the streets of Ireland – has lived with his guardian, Lynne Cornwall, 34, for nearly six years. Johnny Sunshine’s favourite thing to do is to bark silently – he then waits for a treat, as he is very proud of himself for inventing this new trick. Johnny Sunshine also enjoys putting his face in muddy puddles so that it looks like he has a face mask on. The mixed-breed rescue dog is very affectionate and enjoys cuddling with Lynne and all her friends, and he is a big star at the local parks as well – he impresses passersby by catching things with his paws.

“Lynne adopted Johnny Sunshine to give him the best life possible, and Johnny Sunshine has given her deep affection in return”, says PETA’s Poorva Joshipura. “Johnny Sunshine found a loving home, and Lynne found a devoted and loyal companion.”

PETA’s competition highlights the fact that mixed-breed dogs – besides being lovable individuals – don’t face the range of health problems and genetic defects that pedigree dogs often endure. As a result of being purposely bred for certain unnatural and exaggerated physical traits, pedigree dogs have high rates of epilepsy, heart disease, hip dysplasia and other health problems. PETA also points out that every time a dog is purchased from a breeder, a homeless dog loses the chance to find a loving home and must be euthanised or left to languish in an animal shelter.

The cutest mutt and two runners-up will be chosen and announced on 30 March on the popular website PETA.org.uk. These three “top dogs” will also be featured in PETA’s Animal Times magazine and will receive a selection of doggie delights.