RSPCA recognition

RSPCA recognition

Our dog warden and support team have once again been recognised by the RSPCA for their exceptional work looking after stray dogs on behalf of Oxford City Council, winning a Platinum PawPrint.

The award recognises the hard work that staff have put in achieving a Gold Stray Dog PawPrint over the past five years. Only those who manage to achieve the Gold level for five years continuously can also win a Platinum Stray Dogs PawPrint.

Councillor Nigel Chapman, Board Member for Customer Focused Services, said: "The staff at the Council's dog warden service, which is provided by Oxford Direct Services, go way beyond their basic duties to make sure that the animals in their charge receive the best treatment. The care and concern they show reflects their knowledge and dedication in dealing with stray dogs and I want to thank and congratulate them in receiving the Platinum Award."

Since 2008, the RSPCA’s PawPrints Awards have recognised good practice from local authorities and housing providers in relation to animal welfare. PawPrints celebrates good practice by rewarding those organisations that exceed basic and statutory service requirements with the aim of achieving higher animal welfare standards.

Dog warden Ken Williams said: "Oxford is one of only two Oxfordshire councils that retains a comprehensive, in-house dog warden service and it's rewarding to have received this recognition from the RSPCA. The Royal Society has launched a festive animal welfare campaign, Delivering Kindness at Christmas, and I'd urge anyone thinking of buying a dog as a present, or  just looking for seasonal advice, to give their website a visit." Visit the RSPCA website.   
 
The RSPCA works closely with councils, the police and housing associations to help them to deliver animal welfare services. This year the Society received a great number of entries at a higher standard than ever which reflected significant progress in animal welfare services.