Councils win Gold for stray dog services

Only 14 councils across the whole of the UK have achieved Gold status.

Animal Warden Services deliver both councils' stray dog service and work together with the councils as a key partner to help reunite owners and their dogs.

Since 2008, the RSPCA has run its PawPrint Award scheme for local authorities, recognising good practice and outstanding animal welfare concerning stray dogs and their owners from Local authorities in England and Wales. There are three levels for the award: Bronze, Silver and Gold, each level carrying progressively more demanding criteria.

The awards recognise local councils who have clear procedures in place ensuring the welfare of all stray dogs and who show a clear consistency of service. It also recognises and rewards local authorities that put animal welfare first, reducing long-term straying and providing help, education, and advice, to owners.

Cllr Keith Kiddie, South Norfolk Council's Cabinet Member for Cleaner, Safer Environment said:

"Receiving this award for the fourth year in a row is a proud achievement for us and demonstrates that our Animal Warden Services consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that dogs and their owners are reunited."

Jan Davis, Broadland District Council's Cabinet Member for Environmental Excellence, said:

"This Gold award is testament to the quality of our Animal Warden Service and their continuous hard work on behalf of the Council. I'm delighted that our dedication to protecting and promoting animal welfare has been recognised once again."

Lee Gingell, the RSPCA’s public affairs manager for local government, said:

“Despite the challenging situation for all local authorities and public bodies across the country, we’re thrilled to see both Broadland and South Norfolk Council pick up the RSPCA’s Stray Dog Services (Gold) PawPrints Award. It’s a tough time for pet owners as the cost of living crisis continues; a tough time too for local authorities and public bodies as demands increase and resources decline. In the face of these challenges, we’re proud to award South Norfolk Council as part of the PawPrints Awards for implementing and promoting schemes and policies that protect and promote animal welfare, and support pet owners - now more important than ever. We’re delighted to showcase both Broadland and South Norfolk Council and their work to protect and promote animal welfare; going above and beyond for animals and looking way past statutory minimums because it’s the right thing to do - for humans and animals.” , we attended the RSPCA's PawPrints Awards to receive its top-tier Gold Stray Dog Services PawPrints Award!

Stewart Petrie, Environmental Protection Manager, and Jo Ryder, Management Support Officer, attended the awards ceremony earlier this month to collect both councils' Gold certificates.