The RSPCA is ‘delighted’ with how public bodies continued to prioritise animal welfare amid the covid-19 pandemic – and has given out 73 awards as part of its PawPrints scheme.
The charity has recogniased public bodies for going above and beyond statutory minimums in how they promote welfare, including in their approaches to dealing with stray dogs and planning for local emergencies.
PawPrints – formerly known as the Community Animal Welfare Footprints (CAWF) – was first established in 2008.
Awards are divided into five PawPrint categories, awarded to bronze, silver or gold standard, and four special recognition awards have also been awarded this year – with a particular focus on how services were maintained or developed in the face of the pandemic and challenging coronavirus-related restrictions.
In total, 33 organisations landed a Stray Dog PawPrint, 12 organisations were recognised for their contingency planning measures, 11 for their approach to housing, nine for licensing and four for kenneling.
UNDER PRESSURE
Rachel Williams, senior parliamentary adviser at the RSPCA, said: “Amid the covid-19 pandemic, we know local authorities, emergency services and other public bodies have been under more pressure than ever before.
“We’re overwhelmed and delighted to see how many continued to find a way to prioritise animal welfare – often in the face of staff shortages, challenging budget restrictions and having to adapt amid the covid-19 lockdowns.
“This is a heartening reminder that even in the most challenging times, so many of our public bodies still want to do the right thing for animals… it’s a big paws up from us to these public bodies whose work for animals is too often not celebrated.”
The four special recognition awards were given out to Cardiff Council’s Cardiff Dogs Home, and their associated charity The Rescue Hotel; Croydon Council’s dog warden; to Westminster City Council’s animal welfare officer and dog wardens at Wiltshire Council.
