Public bodies recognised for animal welfare work.
The RSPCA has presented 50 public bodies with PawPrints awards, recognising organisations that have gone 'above and beyond' for animal welfare.
Now in its 15th year, the awards are split into five categories – stray dog services, housing, contingency planning, animal activity licensing and kennelling.
PawPrints awards are given in three categories, bronze, silver and gold. Of the 70 awards given to 50 organisations, 53 were to the gold standard.
Lee Gingell, public affairs manager for local government, said: "Despite the difficult climate, we're absolutely over the moon to see 50 public bodies across England and Wales picking up PawPrint awards this year.
"It is a tough time for many pet owners, as the cost of living crisis continues to bite - so we know many of the schemes and procedures that PawPrints recognises will be more important than ever; so we are thrilled to see such high engagement with the scheme yet again.”
Cardiff Council's Cardiff Dogs Home is one recipient of the award, for its work partnering with The Rescue Hotel charity, which saw a new health centre built to provide low-cost vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, neutering procedures and dental care for dogs.
Cllr Dan De'Ath, the Council member responsible for the Cardiff Dogs Home, commented on the recognition: “All the dogs we look after deserve the highest possible standard of care and we’re delighted that work we’re doing in partnership with our charity partners The Rescue Hotel has been recognised with these PawPrints awards.
“Owning a dog isn’t cheap, and as the cost of living crisis deepens the preventative work we do is becoming increasingly important – ultimately we want all Cardiff’s dogs to live in homes where they are well cared for and loved.
“Helping reduce the cost of owning a dog by providing essential veterinary services at more affordable prices, means we can help keep more dogs and their owners together.”
Another Council recognised for its work to encourage responsible pet ownership is Croydon Council, who has held regular events offering health, wellbeing and training advice to pet owners in the area.
“From programmes to encourage responsible pet ownership, to discounted microchipping and policies to protect animals during emergency situations, there's so much great work that goes on behind the scenes from public bodies - and, in this climate, these services are so often a lifeline for pets and their owners,” Lee continued.
“Too often, this work is unsung and doesn’t get the credit it deserves. PawPrints is all about shouting from the rooftops - that 50 public bodies, across England and Wales, are going above and beyond for animals; looking way past statutory minimums because it's the right thing to do - for humans and animals."
The full list of recipients can be found on the RSPCA website.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
