RSPCA celebrates ‘pioneering’ public bodies
Organisations and individuals are recognised in three categories: Core Awards, Hero Awards and Special Awards.
The RSPCA has celebrated the contributions of local authorities and public sector organisations with its annual PawPrints Awards.
First launched in 2008, the scheme recognises those who have supported them in their goals across three categories: Core Awards, Hero Awards and Special Awards.
The Core Awards are presented to councils and public bodies which deliver key frontline services. This includes stray dog provision, licensing, housing, emergency planning and kennelling.
Entries can win Bronze, Silver or Gold status, with organisations awarded Platinum status if they achieve Gold for five consecutive years. For the first time in 2025, RSPCA has also introduced Gold Plus and Platinum Plus status for organisations excelling in four or more categories.
This year saw 99 Core Awards presented to 66 organisations, including 46 Platinum awards and 36 Gold awards.
The RSPCA also presented a number of Hero Awards to those who have faced specific animal welfare challenges. There are five new Hero categories: Care Act Hero, Public Awareness Hero, Mental Wellbeing Hero, Fireworks Action Hero and Responsible Ownership Hero.
Rod Mason, from Test Valley Borough Council, was named as this year’s Care Act Hero. Mr Mason has been encouraging pet owners to complete emergency care forms, ensuring animals are provided care if their owners are hospitalised.
Meanwhile the Responsible Ownership Hero went to Mandie Stallard and Golding Homes, who have worked to improve pet policy for tenants by building partnerships with charities, veterinary organisations and behaviourists.
A number of Special Recognition Awards have been announced for individuals, teams and partnerships which have gone ‘above and beyond’ in their animal welfare work.
Among those receiving this award is Alan Goodall, recognised for his licensing work at Breckland District Council. He is acknowledged alongside Georgia O’Brien and Simon Marks PCSO, commended respectively for their early-career impact and bravery tackling organised cruelty.
The Innovator in Animal Welfare Award is awarded to Stuart Ross and Hazel Cross, both of Hampshire Police, for their humane animal dispatch scheme.
The Massingham Advocacy Award went to political figures Cllr Richard Jeffcoat, Lord Trees and Irene Campbell MP. RSPCA says it highlights their passion for animal welfare policy and debate.
Overall, across all three categories, the charity has presented 109 awards to organisations and individuals for their animal welfare work.
This year will also see RSPCA launch its new special category, the Withnall Partnerships Award, at the PawPrints Awards event. It honours the memory of former RSPCA inspector Kirsty Withnall, the award will highlight an ‘outstanding collaboration’ between the RSPCA, local authorities, public sector organisations and animal welfare partners.
Lee Gingell, RSPCA Public Affairs Manager, said: “It’s really important to highlight the incredible efforts we know so many go to for animals and we are thrilled to recognise so many outstanding organisations for their pioneering work.
“It’s vital to celebrate the fantastic efforts being made to improve the lives of animals wherever possible.”
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. 
