14 DAY TRIAL // The attempts to boost the upcoming European Elections turnout have gone a little too far in Britain, as it would appear that even dogs have now been given the right to vote.
Zeus, a Rottweiler cross who lives with his owners in Norton, northeast England, was invited to cast his vote in the forthcoming elections on May 22. The 8-year-old dog has just received a polling card through the post, with his electoral register number and instructions on where and when to vote.
His owner Russell Hoyle was left speechless when he saw the voting card, addressed to “Zeus Hoyle,” dropping through the letterbox at his home in Cheshire Road, Norton, Stockton-on-Tees.
The 45-year-old security guard recalls the moment when a man came to his family's house during an early census and asked him who lived in their home address.
“I can remember when the people came round to do the census. I remember saying ‘There is myself and my wife. My son is not old enough to vote. We have got Zeus living here as well and he is 63 in dog years,’” Mr. Hoyle said, according to a news report by the Mirror.
Well, it has now become clear that the man didn't get his joke, hence the polling vote sent to his pet. And although he is aware that the dog's voting card was an obvious mistake, Mr. Hoyle still plans to take Zeus for walkies to Albany Community Resource Center, the polling station where he is supposed to express his political view.
“I just think it is totally hilarious and I know they'll expect me to get in touch and flag up that there's an issue, but I'm not going to, I'm going to take him down to cast his vote,” Zeus's owner said.
Now, Russell and his wife Allison are left speculating on whom the dog will choose during the election day. They just hope he will not vote on Tory.
Zeus once used to work as a security guard with his owner, but he has now retired and spends his days relaxing at home. His owner describes him as a lovable and loyal dog – “a gentle giant” as he puts it.
“He is the perfect dog. When he was out working he had my back and now he is resting, he's great with the kids and I know he would never hurt anyone,” Mr. Hoyle said.