Newly-elected local authorities have been urged to “show they are for every kind” by applying for a RSPCA animal welfare PawPrint award – with the prestigious scheme set to be bigger than ever this year.
The RSPCA works closely in partnership with public bodies to improve and recognise animal welfare standards.
Now – Councils, emergency services, the Armed Forces and other services providers can apply to be recognised with an RSPCA PawPrint, with the scheme acknowledging those surpassing legal standards in animal welfare and setting benchmarks of excellence.
The awards are expanding this year – as the RSPCA celebrates its 200th anniversary. The charity is aiming to recognise the work of 200 local public sector bodies to celebrate this landmark birthday.
Earlier this month, 107 local authority areas elected new Councillors in England – and PawPrints has been earmarked as a great way for Councils, and others in the public sector, to show their commitment to animals.
Lee Gingell, RSPCA Local Government Manager, said: “As the RSPCA marks its 200th anniversary this year, we can’t wait for public bodies across England and Wales to join the celebrations by highlighting the immense efforts we know so many go to for animals.
“This year, we aim to recognise the efforts of 200 local public sector bodies for animal welfare across England and Wales.
“The public sector plays such an important role in improving animal welfare standards – and we’re proud that the PawPrints scheme has inspired the improvement of standards and positively changed the lives of countless pets, livestock, wildlife and other animals.
“With many new Councils and Councillors taking up their positions in recent weeks, there’s never been a better time for public bodies to show they are for every kind and join us in creating a kinder world for every animal.”
Running since 2008, the RSPCA’s flagship PawPrints scheme remains the only scheme of its kind, recognising services going above and beyond to deliver world-class animal welfare services.
Since its inception, more than 1,500 awards have been handed out.
Public bodies can earn recognition for their delivery of stray dog services, licensing, housing services, contingency planning and kennelling – with gold, silver and bronze awards available in each category.
There are “special” awards to honour exceptional dedication, commitment, innovation, and contributions to animal welfare.
But this year, the RSPCA is particularly excited to launch a brand-new Massingham Advocacy Award – to recognise elected representatives who have undertaken outstanding advocacy for animals.
The award is named after the RSPCA’s first public affairs staffer – Speedwell Massingham – who joined the RSPCA 100 years ago, and would later go on to become an early pioneer for women in wider public life – standing as a parliamentary candidate in Petersfield in 1929, and Maidstone in 1931.
Lee added: “The work our public bodies do for animal welfare is too often unsung – but services like stray dog provision, licensing, housing, contingency planning and kennelling can make a real difference to animals’ lives.
“As we all strive to create a world that is better for every kind, we’re excited this year to be recognising even more great achievements – including elected politicians going the extra mile for animals, and special awards for those showing unique commitment or innovation to make their communities kinder and safer places for animals and humans alike.”
One of last year’s winners – entered into the RSPCA’s ‘Paw of Fame’ – was Wiltshire Council’s dog walking scheme.
This recognised the local authority’s volunteer dog walker scheme, which was set up in July 2021 “to help people returning to the workplace find suitably trained dog walkers to help exercise their dogs”.
The scheme has helped connect people going back to work after Covid restrictions with skilled individuals to care for and exercise their canine companions – setting high standards for prospective dog walkers, helping to ensure animal welfare and boost the public’s wider wellbeing at a time of great uncertainty.
Lee added: “Wiltshire Council did amazing work not only identifying a need, but delivering what proved a great example of what can be achieved when communities innovate to meet the evolving needs of animals and pet owners.
“Beyond mere legal obligations, this initiative exemplifies the spirit of going the extra mile to protect, promote and enhance animal welfare.”
PawPrints is endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Environment Health, the Local Government Animal Welfare Group, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, the Institute of Licensing and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare.
Entries are open until 28 July this year – and public bodies can apply via the RSPCA’s dedicated PoliticalAnimal website.
