Winners Of RSPCA Cymru’s Community Animal Welfare Footprints Celebrated
A ceremony to celebrate the successful winners of RSPCA Cymru’s Community Animal Welfare Footprint (CAWF) awards has been held in Cardiff Bay.
The winners were presented with their awards by RSPCA Cymru board chair and RSPCA council member Paul Baxter and RSPCA assistant director external relations – Wales, Claire Lawson.
Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths AM also attended the ceremony, which took place at the Pierhead yesterday (12 October), to congratulate all the winners.
This year, a record 16 awards were achieved by 14 organisations across Wales in four categories – stray dog provision, contingency planning, housing provision and animal establishment licensing. Bronze, silver and gold standards were awarded, depending on the level of service provided by the authority or organisation.
Five organisations across Wales also attained a gold award this year – more than ever before.
At the ceremony RSPCA Cymru was also delighted to announce a further award – South Wales Police were awarded ‘highly commended’ as part of the RSPCA Innovator award, which rewards pioneering and imaginative steps taken to improve animal welfare. Only one other organisation in England was awarded in the Innovator category by the expert panel of judges.
The award was given to South Wales Police for its work improving the welfare of seized dogs in kennels using legislation.
RSPCA Cymru’s public affairs manager, Paul Smith, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the winners of RSPCA Cymru’s Community Animal Welfare Footprints and to reveal that South Wales Police has been awarded ‘highly commended’ as part of the RSPCA Innovator award.
“The actions of PC Walter Pennell of South Wales Police, have had a massive impact of the welfare of seized dogs by reducing their time in kennels from around three months to, on average, five days. These dogs are often distressed being away from their owners and their homes and by speeding up the decision process helps to ensure their welfare is not compromised.”
Inspector Frances Williams of South Wales Police said: “PC Pennell’s innovative method of working has greatly reduced the time seized dogs spend in kennels.
“As dogs are separated from their owners for less time it has reduced the upheaval to both dogs and owners whilst reducing the kennelling costs and keeping the communities of South Wales safe.”
Mr Smith said: “This year we have seen an increase in the number of organisations recognised in Wales with five achieving the sought after gold standard, which is fantastic.
“The awards recognise the hard work, passion and dedication shown by council and housing association staff across Wales. These unsung heroes really do make a difference in improving animal welfare and demonstrates that Wales is a nation of animal lovers.”
The 2016 winners are:
Animal Establishment Licensing
Pembrokeshire County Council – Bronze
Shared Regulatory Services (a partnership between Bridgend Council, Cardiff Council and the Vale of Glamorgan Council) – Bronze
Contingency Planning Footprint
Monmouthshire County Council – Gold
City of Cardiff Council – Bronze
Housing Footprint
Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd – Bronze
Clwyd Alyn Housing Association – Bronze
Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association – Bronze
Merthyr Valley Homes – Bronze
Rhondda Housing Association – Bronze
Stray Dog Footprint
Cardiff Dogs Home (Cardiff Council) – Gold
Denbighshire County Council – Gold
Newport City Council – Gold
Wrexham County Borough Council – Gold
Shared Regulatory Services – Silver
Pembrokeshire County Council – Silver
Isle of Anglesey County Council – Bronze
Established in 2008, CAWF is the only award scheme in Wales and England that recognises the commitment and achievement of local authorities, contingency planners and housing providers in improving and delivering animal welfare.
The scheme has the support of the Welsh Government, Welsh Local Government Association, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute.
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