RSPCA celebrates achievements in public sector
The scheme was founded in 2018 to recognise the work of public sector organisations.
The RSPCA has presented 107 awards to public sector organisations for their work protecting animal welfare.
Recipients included 93 winners from England and 14 from Wales which the charity believes have made a significant contribution to animal welfare. The winners were celebrated at a gala at the Chartered Accounts Hall in London in November.
The RSPCA’s PawPrints scheme, founded in 2018, celebrates public sector organisations that go above and beyond the legal minimums to protect and promote animal welfare. It presents winners with a gold, silver or bronze award, depending on the criteria they meet.
This year the charity awarded 50 gold awards to organisations. There were also 32 platinum awards for those which had achieved a gold award for five consecutive years.
New to this year’s awards was the Massingham Advocacy Award, designed to recognise the work of elected officials who promote public policy for animal welfare.
The award is named after Speedwell Massingham, who was the charity’s first public affairs staff member 100 years ago. She went on to act as a pioneer for women and stood as a parliamentary candidate in Petersfield in 1929 and Maidstone in 1931.
The first recipients of the Massingham Advocacy Award were Kerrie Carmichael, Anna Firth, Neil Hudson and Carolyn Thomas.
Lee Gingell, RSPCA public affairs manager for local government, said: “Animal welfare is everyone's welfare - and it is thanks to politicians speaking up, supporting our campaigns and championing animals of all shapes and sizes that we can keep improving the lives of animals, and ensure they are treated with compassion and respect.”
Three organisations received a Special Recognition Award, indicating that their work has made a significant and lasting impact on animal welfare.
Animal Licensing Wales was celebrated for its work with animal welfare enforcement, including combatting illegal dog breeding and puppy smuggling.
Westminster City Council, and its animal welfare officer Daniel Corp, received special recognition for securing funding for animal-related initiatives. Meanwhile, Brian Evans, an animal and environmental enforcement officer at Dacorum Borough Council, was recognised for his understanding of complex legislation and his ability to handle cases with compassion.
The Innovator award went to Manchester City Council and Bernard McMenamin of the Trading Standards Service. Their initiative targeted an excessive amount of farm animals being on urban allotments.
Lee Gingell said: “We know the economic climate is tough - which is why it is hugely heartening that so many bodies want to go beyond statutory minimums and go the extra mile for pets, farm animals, wildlife and animal owners.
“But this year’s awards not only highlighted the role many councils and housing providers go to for animals - but also the vast community involvement in animal welfare initiatives; highlighting how creating a better world for every kind is a real team effort.”
Image © RSPCA
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
