Good deeds for dogs awarded at ceremony
Image: Award winners
Recognition for those helping both dogs and dog owners An award ceremony has been held by the Kennel Club (KC) to recognise those that have performed good deeds for dogs over the last 12 months.
The Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme (GCDS) Awards and the KC Dog Awards were held at the beginning of February, involving a prize-giving ceremony to honour the winners.
Set up in 1992, the GCDS promotes socially acceptable dogs via a quality standard of training for dogs and their owners, incorporating many domestic obedience exercises. GCDS is now the largest dog training scheme in the UK, with over 430,000 certificates of achievement awarded to those who have successfully passed tests.
The GCDS awards recognise the efforts of those organisations that help train dogs and educate their owners on the importance of responsible dog ownership. There is currently around 1,800 dog training clubs and organisations using the scheme in the UK.
An award for outstanding service was presented to Mr Bill Hardaway, who was GCDS chairman from 1991 - 2010 and responsible for launching the scheme. Over the years, Mr Hardaway helped to implement many of its initiatives, including the annual awards, which are now in their 16th year.
The KC Dog awards acknowledge politicians, local authorities, public bodies and individuals that take action against the likes of dog walking restrictions.
Those that were recognised included Lochaber and District Canine Society, East Lothian Council, North Hertfordshire District Council and Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen.
KC Chairman Steve Dean commented at the ceremony: "These awards are an opportunity for us to credit the actions taken by our training groups, politicians, local authorities, groups and individuals to ensure that the UK’s dogs continue to enjoy maximum access to the our open spaces.
“We really do feel that you, and many others, have all done fantastic work in promoting responsible dog ownership in local communities and all deserve a huge vote of thanks.
"Your enthusiasm and dedication help organisations like the Kennel Club to promote responsible dog ownership and canine welfare, and we extend our appreciation for helping us make a positive difference for dogs and their owners.”
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. 
