Hounslow’s Animal Welfare team wins top RSCPA awards

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Recognition for running a high quality animal welfare service that looks after stray dogs and has also played its part in rescuing abandoned animals, and disrupting suspected low-welfare puppy trading

Hounslow Council’s animal welfare team have once again swept the board at RSPCA’s Paw Prints awards, winning either the top Platinum award or the second prize of Gold in all five categories.

They have also been named as one of four finalists for the Withnall Partnerships Awards, which recognises the Animal Welfare team’s partnership working with the RSPCA, Metropolitan Police, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, vets, neighbouring councils, and others:

‘Joint work has rescued abandoned animals, disrupted suspected low-welfare puppy trading, secured urgent veterinary treatment that avoided euthanasia and moved nearly 14 tonnes of pet food to rescue organisations’, says the RSPCA citation.

The Animal Welfare team follows up animal welfare concerns, which includes looking after strays and helping to find missing dogs. It investigates dangerous dog issues and animal related nuisances such as dog fouling, noise, and dogs acting aggressively.

The team also offers support to vulnerable residents, bringing their pets into council care while their owners are hospitalised.

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Awards recognise good practice in public services

The Paw Print awards recognise effective animal welfare practice in essential local public service, rewarding organisations which go above and beyond in protecting and promoting animal welfare through innovative services, partnership working and education.

A Bronze recognises strong statutory compliance and welfare foundations. Silver is awarded for consistent delivery, early intervention, and support. Gold recognises proactive, preventative, and partnership-led practices, and Platinum celebrates organisations which have achieved Gold in the same category for five or more consecutive years.

Hounslow’s animal welfare team won two Platinum awards and three Golds, having won awards consistently over the past few years.

READ ALSO: Hounslow Council win gold in RSPCA awards

READ ALSO: Hounslow Council’s Animal Welfare Team wins multiple awards

They won the top award for their Stray Dog service which records, collects and receives stray and lost dogs, providing ‘safe, welfare-led services that protect stray dogs’ welfare, support reunification and rehoming, and work to reduce demand through prevention’.

Cali

Hounslow’s Animal Welfare team regularly deal with stray dogs, including Cali (pictured), a young Malinois crossbreed who was found earlier this year wandering alone in a public park. The team housed Cali in the council’s kennel accommodation, before dog handlers successfully rehomed her in a working environment.

They also won Platinum for Kennelling, in recognition of their ‘high-quality, welfare-led care for dogs held in kennels, including enrichment, behavioural support, and continuous improvement’.

A spokesperson for Hounslow explained that while dogs are staying in Hounslow’s kennels, they benefit from a care programme including walks, sensory stimulation and enrichment activities, such as sniffing out mystery boxes with treats hidden in spaces with various textures and smells.

The team picked up Gold awards for Animal Activities Licensing – providing services that ‘uphold standards, support responsible operators, and prevent poor animal welfare through effective regulation’; Contingency Planning –  having ‘prepared and coordinated emergency arrangements that protect animals and support the people responsible for their care during crises and emergencies’; and for  Housing and Animals – providing ‘pet-inclusive housing services that support responsible ownership, intervene early, and help prevent animals from being relinquished’.

Councillor Amy Croft, whose Cabinet brief includes Enforcement, said:

“We are delighted to receive this recognition from the RSPCA. These awards reflect the dedication of our officers and partners who work hard throughout the year to ensure the welfare of animals across the borough.

“Animal welfare is an important part of creating safe, responsible and compassionate communities, and we are proud that Hounslow continues to be recognised for its commitment to high standards.”

The PawPrints Awards will be presented at an event in Cardiff on Wednesday 11 November.