RSPCA rewards local efforts for animal welfare

01.11.11

A Baroness, two Secretaries of State, Ministers and MPs helped congratulate local authorities which do their best for animals.

The RSPCA Community Animal Welfare Footprints (CAWF) 2011 – held at the House of Lords - promote good animal welfare practice in local government and housing through ‘Footprint’ awards. 

What are the ‘Footprint’ awards and who won?

The ceremony was hosted by Baroness Fookes of Plymouth, and attended by over 150 representatives from the 99 organisations across the country whom had put in place strong animal welfare procedures and practices in their day-to-day work, from stray dog collection to housing provision. 

The five Innovator in Animal Welfare Awards are CAWF’s highest accolade. They recognise those that have demonstrated an innovative approach to animal welfare and are chosen by a panel of independent judges.

This year’s winners were:
 

• English County Council Innovator – Lincolnshire County Council
• English District Council Innovator – Eastleigh Borough Council
• English Unitary Council Innovator – Middlesbrough Council
• Wales Unitary Councils Innovator – Newport Council
• Housing & Multi-agencies Innovator – Affinity Sutton Housing
   

Who went?

The event attracted a number of government representatives including the secretary of state for local government and communities Eric Pickles, and Defra secretary of state Caroline Spelman both of whom welcomed the recognition of this important work.

RSPCA chief executive Mark Watts, who announced this year’s winners, said:

Despite the tough financial climate, there are still many examples of good practice being produced in the public sector. We feel it’s more important than ever before to recognise the efforts and commitment of those who improve animal welfare in their area of work.

The grand setting for the House of Lords was a fitting place to celebrate the hard work and contribution of local authorities and housing providers in tackling the issue of animal welfare in the community.

I am delighted that so many elected representatives were there, from councillors to government ministers, and I hope it reminds them of just how important all these people’s work is to their local communities.

The RSPCA would like to thank the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) for their continued support of CAWF.

• More information about this year’s winning entries is available at: www.rspca.org.uk/cawf