A COUNCIL has received national accreditation from the RSPCA for its work in dealing with stray dogs and animal activity licensing

Denbighshire County Council was awarded the animal charity’s Gold Footprint Standard following the work of its dog warden and public protection team to reunite stray pups with their owners.

The council also received a Bronze Footprint Standard regulate businesses in pet care, breeding and pet sellers.

The RSPCA awards gold, silver and bronze levels to local authorities who meet animal welfare standards in areas including stray dog services, contingency planning, housing policy, animal activity licensing and kennelled dog welfare.

Cllr Mark Young, cabinet lead member for planning, public protection and safer communities, said: “The fact that Denbighshire picked up two awards is great news and is a testament to the team’s hard work.

“There is a strong partnership between the Public Protection team and the North Clwyd Animal Rescue Centre, as well as specialist vets who support the animal licensing process. Every effort is made to try and reunite dogs with their owners before they are taken to an animal rescue centre.

“Local authorities have a key role to play in protecting the welfare of animals and it’s great that Denbighshire’s commitment has been recognised at a national level.”

Since 2008, the RSPCA’s PawPrints Awards has been the only award scheme recognising good practice from local authorities, housing providers and contingency planners in relation to animal welfare.

Local authorities are responsible for dog issues including stray dogs, lost dogs and noisy dogs, and dog fouling. They also provide advice on microchipping and neutering.

Councils also have responsibility for other animal welfare issues including cruelty to livestock and issues advice on keeping animals safe including dogs in cars, food health, pets and fireworks, keeping chickens and choosing a kennel or cattery.

For more information visit the Denbighshire County Council website.