LONDON: Huskies, Chihuahuas, boxers and beagles — and even a lumbering Leonberger — joined a “Wooferendum march” in central London on Sunday as their pro-European owners called for a new people’s vote on Brexit.

The gathering commanded politicians, actors and activists, accompanied by hundreds of four-legged friends, all united in their opposition to Britain’s departure from the EU next March.

“We will not roll over... it’s time for the Wooferendum,” said Labour MP Stella Creasy, a self-confessed cat — not dog — owner, in a pun-laden speech.

“Go fetch people: get Britain a better future.” The dog parade — which drew pooches and people from far beyond the capital — took place two weeks before a larger pro-referendum rally planned for October 20.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has ruled out a new Brexit poll, saying it would betray the result of the 2016 vote and destroy trust in politicians.

But politicians from all parties have joined a growing movement for Britons to have another say on the issue.

“I do think we’ve got momentum,” Alastair Campbell, a former Labour government spokesman and people’s vote campaigner, said alongside his five-month-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Skye.

“In a campaign, use whatever you can that helps,” he added of Sunday’s pet prelude. “Today is showing that this country just isn’t uniting around any vision for Brexit and it’s one way of fighting.”

After Brexit, Britain may have to leave the EU’s pet passport scheme, which allows registered pets to travel to member states freely with their owners.

As a result of the change, dog owners are likely to face increased bureaucracy and need more preparation time in order to take their canine companions to the continent.

Published in Dawn, October 8th, 2018