Local authorities and public sector organisations have received a special honour from the RSPCA as part of the prestigious PawPrints awards.

In total, 99 awards have been announced to 66 public sector bodies, 31 Platinum-level awards were also given to those who have received Gold-level PawPrints awards for five or more years consecutively. A further 52 obtained gold-level awards.

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.

Lee Gingell, public affairs manager for local government at the RSPCA, said:

“We are thrilled to recognise so many outstanding organisations for their pioneering work in animal welfare.

“We’ve seen a 6% increase in entries to our PawPrints Awards this year, highlighting the crucial role that public bodies play in advancing animal welfare. It’s vital to celebrate the fantastic efforts being made to improve the lives of animals wherever possible.

“With around a third of entries earning the prestigious Platinum-level award - reserved for those who have achieved Gold-level for five or more consecutive years - it’s evident that local authorities in England & Wales are deeply committed to animal welfare. This is something we are incredibly proud to honour through these awards.

“We are especially proud of our special awardees, whose exceptional dedication and innovative approaches have set new standards in animal welfare. Their work serves as an inspiration to all, and we are delighted to celebrate their achievements.”

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 is also the Platinum-level award, reserved to recognise local authorities who have obtained Gold-level for five or more years consecutively.

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 groundbreaking and imaginative way.

This year, to mark the RSPCA’s 200th anniversary and 100 years since the first RSPCA public affairs officer (Mrs Gertrude Speedwell Massingham), we’ve introduced a brand new special award; the Massingham Advocacy Award, to recognise elected officials who have demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to advocating for animals.

Daniel Corp (Westminster City Council), Brian Evans (Dacorum Borough Council) and the team at Animal Licensing Wales were awarded the Special Recognition award. PC Mike Barrowman (North West Regional Crime Unit) was highly commended.

Holly Raw (Manchester City Council) was awarded the Innovator in Animal Welfare award.
Cllr Kerrie Carmichael (Leader of Sandwell Council), Dr. Neil Hudson MP, Carolyn Thomas Member of the Senedd, and Anna Firth (former Southend West MP) were awarded the newly introduced Massingham Advocacy awards.

Dr Neil Hudson MP FRCVS said:

"As the first vet elected to the Commons since 1884, it is both a tremendous privilege and responsibility to advocate for our furry and feathered friends.

"From cracking down on pet smuggling to bolstering the nation's animal disease infrastructure and putting animal welfare at the heart of farming, I've had the pleasure of leading a host of campaigns from Parliament's green benches.

"I cannot thank the RSPCA enough for the award and would just like to reinforce that this is not a one man job and so I must pay tribute to all those who have supported me in my work.

"Fundamentally, we are a nation of animal lovers and I'm delighted to be leading the charge for our globally-renowned animal health and welfare standards."