#rspcacymru — Public Fediverse posts

SWANSEA: #DogsAtPollingStations is trending — but spare a thought for the #DogsNotAtPollingStations who’d love a vote of confidence today

Across Wales today, social media is filling up with #DogsAtPollingStations – the much-loved trend where proud owners share photos of their canine companions accompanying them to vote.

But for every smiling pup pictured outside a polling station today, there’s another dog who isn’t there.

The #DogsNotAtPollingStations are the rescue dogs sitting in animal centres across Wales – many of whom have been waiting weeks, months or longer to find a new owner to one day vote alongside.

At RSPCA Cymru’s Llys Nini Branch in Swansea – based in the Senedd’s new Gŵyr Abertawe constituency – there are 11 dogs currently ready for adoption.

Many more will join them in the coming weeks once court proceedings conclude or rehabilitation programmes are completed.

The RSPCA is urging voters across Wales to consider adopting one of these dogs – so they can become part of next election’s #DogsAtPollingStations trend.

Among them is Bear, a two-year-old Chow Chow looking for what the charity describes as a loving forever home.

Bear is described by staff as a dog with “bags of character” who loves long walks and food.

The RSPCA notes that Chow Chows can have very long coats – something any potential new owner would need to consider.

Lady – based at RSPCA’s Newport centre – is a gentle and sensitive Patterdale terrier crossbreed who is looking for a calm, understanding home where she can truly blossom.
(Image: RSPCA)

Across the RSPCA’s other Welsh centres, more dogs are also looking for homes.

At the charity’s Newport centre, Lady – a gentle Patterdale terrier crossbreed – is searching for a calm, understanding home.

The RSPCA describes her as a little shy when meeting new people, but says with patience and kindness her true personality shines through. She would do best as the only pet in the home.

Nine-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier Reggie is looking for a new home after his owner passed away.
(Image: RSPCA)

At the Bryn-Y-Maen centre in Upper Colwyn Bay, nine-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier Reggie is also waiting for a new family after his previous owner passed away.

Tan and white Reggie loves to potter about outdoor spaces and is described by staff as full of love, knowing lots of commands and being a big fan of fuss and attention.

Dr Samantha Gaines from the charity’s Companion Animals Department said it was always heartwarming to see voters share photos of their dogs outside polling stations.

“With temperatures warming up, we’d always urge voters to keep their dogs nice and cool – or even consider taking them to vote in the evening depending on how hot it is outside,” she said.

She said many RSPCA centres were full to bursting. “We’d urge anyone looking to add a dog to their family to check out the RSPCA’s Find a Pet website,” she said. “You may find your paw-fect voting companion for next polling day.”

The RSPCA also published its own manifesto ahead of the 2026 Senedd election, and according to the charity’s Animal Kindness Index, Wales has the highest proportion of animal lovers of any UK nation.

Billie-Jade Thomas, Senior Public Affairs Manager at the RSPCA, said voters had welcomed hearing from political parties’ plans for animals. “We look forward to working with Wales’ 96 new Senedd Members to ensure animal welfare is a top priority,” she said.

For anyone in Swansea or across south-west Wales considering rehoming a dog, more information about Bear and the other dogs at Llys Nini is available on the Llys Nini Branch website.

Full details of all the dogs available for adoption across the RSPCA’s Welsh centres can be found on the RSPCA’s Find a Pet tool.

#adoptADog #Dogs #LlysNini #RSPCA #RSPCACymru #SeneddElection2026