Dogs accompany Cumbria voters to the polling stations

Readers have shared photos of their pooches as the public went to vote in the General Election.

The hashtag #dogsatpollingstations has become a highlight of election days for animal lovers on social media as people share photos of themselves exercising their pets and democratic rights at the same time.

These canines have been spotted wearing colourful leads and making great poses to add a light of relief to the day of voting.

Animals, apart from assistance dogs, are not usually allowed inside polling stations, but they can be permitted at the local authority's discretion.

Dogs are not the only voting companions to show up at the polling stations.

Check our gallery to see the best snaps sent by our readers.