News

We've received RSPCA PawPrints Platinum awards, recognising our exceptional contributions to animal welfare. 

Both the Environmental Community Protection Animal Welfare service and the Housing team have been recognised for good practice, exceeding basic and statutory service requirements with the aim of achieving higher animal welfare standards.

There was a special recognition award for Brian Evans (pictured), Animal and Environmental Enforcement Officer, for his dedication to animal welfare. This award recognises individuals who have shown exceptional commitment and dedication to animal welfare, serving as an inspiring example for others.

Since joining in 2021, Brian has mastered complex legislation and handled challenging cases with compassion and leadership. His efforts have led to the successful rehoming of numerous animals and improved welfare conditions across the community. Brian’s innovative approach, coupled with his ability to build strong relationships with partner agencies, has set a new standard for animal welfare collaboration, enforcement and community engagement.

The teams excelled in two areas:

Stray Dogs Footprint

The main aim of this footprint is to set a level of good practice for stray dog provision by acknowledging local authority services that have mechanisms and policies to ensure dog welfare, provide staff training, and promote responsible dog ownership. It also aims to encourage local authorities to look at this important and often undervalued service and address any resource and service issues that may help them to meet the footprint criteria in the future. 

Housing Footprint

This footprint recognises housing providers who take positive steps to encourage and ensure responsible pet ownership in the properties they manage, and to recognise others that are doing so.

In addition, the footprint aims to encourage a considered pets-in-housing policy that is not simply a 'knee-jerk' response to problems that have arisen through a weak pet policy or tensions created by an anti-social minority. 

Cllr Robin Bromham, our Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Operations, said "We're thrilled to be awarded the prestigious platinum standard in the annual RSPCA PawPrints awards for our exceptional work in the Stray Dogs category, which reflects our commitment to ensuring the welfare of stray dogs in our community and our dedication to responsible dog ownership. It is fantastic to see the special commendation to Brian Evans whose work has improved the welfare of animals across the borough. Well done, Brian!”

Cllr Simy Dhyani, our Portfolio Holder for Housing and Property Services, said: "We are delighted to be recognised for our outstanding efforts in the Housing Footprint category. We are committed to promoting responsible pet ownership within the properties we manage. We aim to create a community that values and respects the well-being of pets and their owners, and this award is a testament to our ongoing dedication to this cause."

We have an Animal Welfare team who can assist with concerns regarding the neglect or abuse of any animal, including dogs, cats, horses, small household pets, exotics, and wildlife. Any such concerns can be reported directly to the team. Find out more on our animal welfare pages.