Two platinum RSPCA PawPrint awards – for the first time in Wales – have been handed out to two “outstanding” winners for their pioneering animal welfare work.
This year – as the RSPCA celebrates its 200th anniversary – the scheme has reached new heights as Monmouthshire County Council and Shared Regulatory Services (Bridgend, Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Councils) have each received a platinum award.
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. This year a total of 12 PawPrint awards have been handed out in Wales – seven gold, one silver and two bronze – along with the two platinum awards.
In addition, Carolyn Thomas MS has been awarded The Massingham Advocacy Award, which honours those who have advocated for animals. Animal Licensing Wales (ALW) has also won a special recognition award for their animal welfare work and positioning Wales as a leader in animal welfare enforcement across the UK.
The PawPrint scheme aims to acknowledge those surpassing legal standards in animal welfare and setting benchmarks of excellence.
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.
Platinum is awarded to winners to recognise organisations that obtained gold-level for five or more years consecutively. The scheme 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.
Julia Detheridge, from Monmouthshire County Council’s Emergency Planning Service, said: “Monmouthshire County Council’s Emergency Planning Service are delighted to yet again be awarded a prestigious Platinum PawPrint by the RSPCA in their Community Animal Welfare PawPrint Awards.
“The authority has always considered the welfare of companion animals within contingency plans – both in the planning process and in training and exercising. The authority would like to thank the RSPCA for the award and for keeping the spirit of animal welfare alive and in peoples and organisations thoughts and minds.”
Independent housing association based in Swansea – Caredig, have been awarded their first PawPrint for 2024 – a bronze housing award. Carol Johns from Caredig said: “We are delighted to have won this award on our first attempt at entering. This is a great stamp of approval to have from the RSPCA for our new pet policy.”
Sioned Nikolic, RSPCA Cymru Public Affairs Advisor, said: “As the RSPCA marks its 200th anniversary this year, we are delighted to announce these awards and see so many handed out in Wales.
“We’d very much like to congratulate our outstanding platinum winners, Monmouthshire County Council and Shared Regulatory Services (Bridgend, Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Councils) on their well deserved awards, and also to the team at Animal Licensing Wales (ALW) who have been given this year’s special recognition award.
“Since its inception in 2021, ALW has played a transformative role in enhancing animal welfare enforcement across Wales, particularly in tackling illegal dog breeding and puppy importation. With a specialised team supporting local authorities, ALW has helped secure significant prosecutions and positive welfare outcomes, setting a new standard for consistency and excellence in the field.
“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 from those 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.”
The Massingham Advocacy Award is named in honour of Gertrude Speedwell Massingham – a trailblazer who served as the first RSPCA’s first public affairs staff member 100 years ago, and who 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.
Carolyn Thomas MS, Luke Fletcher MS, Jane Dodds MS, Janet Finch-Saunders MS and Vikki Howells MS were revealed to be nominated for this special award at an event to celebrate the charity’s landmark birthday back in June.
Sioned added: “We are delighted to congratulate Carolyn Thomas MS who has been chosen to receive this special award. Since her election to the Senedd in 2021, Carolyn has been a steadfast advocate for animal welfare, using her platform to drive positive change.
“As Chair of the Senedd’s Cross Party Group on Animal Welfare, which she established, Carolyn has brought together key stakeholders to address issues like greyhound racing, animal sanctuary licensing, and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on pet owners.
“She has led efforts to secure more rights for pet-owning renters and consistently supports initiatives that enhance protections for wild animals and improve enforcement powers for the RSPCA. Carolyn’s unwavering commitment makes her one of the strongest voices for animal welfare in the Senedd.”
Carolyn said: “It’s an incredible honour to be recognised for my work in animal welfare. This award is a testament to the passion and dedication in Wales. I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of animals and their owners along with the support from organisations like the RSPCA pushing for better lives for animals.”
