The Argus, news, sport, events, jobs, homes for Brighton, Hove and Sussex

Hundreds of pooches and their owners went to Brighton Racecourse on Saturday for the world's biggest puppy party. Following a vote, the prettiest puppy in this gallery has been judged to be the pooch in picture four. Organisers estimate about 700 people came to the event, which was held to raise awareness about puppy farming. The day also featured a cross-breed dog show judged by celebrities and a police dog display. The day, organised by social petworking site thepetnet.com included a dog show with judges including The Bill’s Chris Ellison (DCI Frank Burnside), and ex World Champion Boxer Michael Watson MBE who judged Best Boxer Dog. Local politicians also showed their support and discussed legislative changes that could be made to protect the health and welfare of puppies in the future. Kennel Club Veterinary Advisor and TV vet, Marc Abraham, said: “I would love to see the day when I no longer have to treat breeding bitches rescued from, or poorly puppies bought from, puppy farms, but sadly at the moment I am treating more and more dogs from puppy farms than ever before. “Puppy Farming Awareness Day 2009 was a crucial step in the right direction, showing everybody how they can do their bit to help put an end to this trade. This has to start with the boycott of puppy farms and with people instead buying from Kennel Club Accredited Breeders, who treat their dogs and puppies with the love and care that they deserve.”