A woman from North Herts donned a full dog costume this week to help raise awareness of the dog meat trade at a London canine event.

Margi Smith, 67, become 'Brandy Barklett for the day, and met people and pets at the Discover Dogs show at London's Excel Centre this weekend.

The equine behaviour graduate and animal lover was prompted to act, after learning about the work of the NoToDogMeat charity, which has three shelters in China and Cambodia.

The London-founded charity works to save animals from the meat trade, and make sure that they receive care and loving homes, and lobbies governments around the world to end the sale of dogs and cats for food.

Speaking about her wacky stunt, Margi who is originally from Michigan USA but moved to Stevenage in the 1980s, said: "Since moving to the UK I have tried to support animal charities. 

"I guess it is just my love of animals which makes me so passionate about trying to make sure the vile illegal trade in dog and cat meat is stopped.

"There are many ways to promote worthy causes, sometimes cute cartoon characters like Brandy Barklett can help."

Before the Discover Dogs event Margi visited NoToDogMeat's HQ in London, where she met the charity's CEO Julia de Cadenet and rescue dogs Felicity, Alice, Annabelle and Camille.

Then it was on to the Excel centre, where Brandy mingled with dog lovers from around the country at the Kennel Club-organised event.

Margi, whose costume was donated by Paws Fur & Fin in Hitchin added: "Discover Dogs is a wonderful event as the visitors are able to see and discuss the personalities, likes and habits of the various breeds of dogs.

"Plus there were lots of very interesting stands and it was great to see my friends from the greyhound rescue too."

Julia de Cadenet, CEO of the NoToDogMeat charity, said: "It was wonderful to see Margi on Saturday, and what a great sport for appearing at Discover Dogs as Brandy Barklett!

"It is people like Margi that are little by little changing the world, by teaching the public about the horrors of the dog and cat meat trade.

"At NoToDogMeat we believe that no action is too small, and we won't stop until this cruel practice is outlawed forever."

Julia de Cadenet, CEO of the NoToDogMeat charity. CREDIT: The Animal News Agency