Gwynedd Council has been awarded for its commitment to ensuring that animals are treated with care and compassion.
The Council has been granted the RSPCA’s Stray Dog Silver Footprint award, part of the charity’s Community Animal Welfare Footprints 2010.
The Stray Dog Footprint aims to recognise local authorities who have clear procedures in place that ensure both the welfare of dogs that have gone missing or who have no homes, and a consistency of service.
The award also recognises the importance of information and education and rewards authorities who actively promote schemes and services that may reduce the number of long-term strays and straying in the first place.
Councillor John R Jones, Gwynedd Council’s Public Protection Portfolio Leader said:
“We are delighted to have achieved this standard, this award is testament to the Council’s belief in animal welfare and our officers’ hard work.
“The Council has introduced several measures aimed at helping to reduce number dogs going missing, and strays being taken into the Council’s care.
“For example we hold regular sessions where Gwynedd residents can bring their dogs to be micro-chipped for free.”
Gwynedd Council has achieved this accolade on its first attempt and is one of just six Welsh councils to be awarded. Gwynedd will be developing its service over the next 12 months and aiming to achieve gold in 2011.
