RSPCA celebrates 15 years of public services’ outstanding animal welfare

Applications are now open for RSPCA Cymru’s iconic PawPrints awards, which recognises public bodies who go the extra mile for animals and their welfare.

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Running since 2008, the RSPCA’s flagship PawPrints awards remains the only scheme of its kind, recognising local authorities and public bodies for going above and beyond to deliver world-class animal welfare services.

Sioned Nikolic, RSPCA Cymru public affairs advisor, said: “We’re really excited to announce that applications for the prestigious RSPCA PawPrints awards are now open.

“Local authorities, housing providers, contingency planners and others play a huge role in the delivery of animal welfare; many of them doing incredible work in the face of steep challenges. Often this amazing work is done quietly behind the scenes and remains unsung. PawPrints is all about recognising and celebrating these efforts and we’re very proud of the awards scheme.

“Over the last 15 years we have handed out nearly 1,500 awards across England and Wales and we are looking forward to celebrating new triumphs this year.”

The awards are split into five categories: stray dog services, housing, contingency planning, animal activity licensing, and kenneling. Each category has three levels: bronze, silver and gold – with each carrying progressively more challenging criteria.

There are also two special awards; the ‘Special Recognition’ and ‘Innovator’ awards. The Innovator in Animal Welfare award looks for inspirational and pioneering entries that demonstrate how an animal welfare issue has been tackled in an innovative and imaginative way, and the Special Recognition award recognises individuals or organisations who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication to animal welfare over the last year.

Local authorities are not restricted on the number of awards they can apply for. They can receive awards in multiple categories to fully recognise the value and variety of animal welfare services they deliver.

Last year, 13 awards went out to eight organisations across Wales who went “above and beyond” for animal welfare – offering a “lifeline” for many animals amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.

They included Cardiff Council’s Cardiff Dogs Home – who partnered with ‘The Rescue Hotel’ charity to build a new health centre providing low-cost vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, neutering procedures and dental care for dogs. In 2022, the local authority was recognised for their stray dog, kennelling and contingency planning services.

Also in 2022, Animal Licensing Wales was awarded the coveted Innovator in Animal Welfare award. This award is given to an organisation that is having a positive effect on animal welfare by delivering an innovative scheme in any policy area.

On behalf of Trading Standards Wales, Monmouthshire County Council – as the employing authority – delivered a project funded by the Welsh Government to develop consistency in conditions, inspections and enforcement in relation to animal welfare. The growing team delivering the project is formally known as “Animal Licensing Wales”.

Sioned added: “We can achieve so much more by working together for animal welfare.

“Our partnerships with local authorities and other public sector organisations are integral to reclaiming our place as the global leader in animal welfare. Together, we can create a world where all animals are respected and treated with kindness and compassion.

“The awards also provide an invaluable chance to inspire others to think about their animal welfare services and encourage decision-makers to consider and value the vital role local authorities play in protecting animal welfare. In tough financial times, and amid a cost of living crisis, this is more important than ever. We are keen to work with all public bodies aspiring to meet the criteria for an award and hope to see even more entrants this year.”

Local authorities and other public bodies can apply for an award via the RSPCA’s dedicated Pawprints webpage. Organisations have until Friday 7 July to apply online. Winners of the Awards will be announced on Friday 18 August 2023 and invited to a reception to celebrate awardees in the autumn.