Work done in Monmouthshire to rescue pets and their owners during major incidents has been commended by the RSPCA.
Monmouthshire County Council’s emergency planning service has been awarded a ‘Bronze Footprint’ by the RSPCA in their ‘Community Animal Welfare Footprints (CAWF) (Contingency Planning) Awards’.
Monmouthshire County Council is the only Welsh authority to win an accolade in this category.
Launched in April 2008, the CAWF scheme aims to reward and promote good practice in animal welfare by local authorities and housing providers in England and Wales.
Ian Hardman, Monmouthshire County Council’s Emergency Planning Manager, said:
“Some people care more for their pets than themselves so it’s important to address the needs of both.
“As a team we try to make sure that there are arrangements in place for all sorts of animals in emergency situations such as floods – catering for pets such as cats and gerbils.
“We also give advice on how people can look after their pets in situations like floods.”
In the last few years the RSPCA, alongside emergency services and local authorities, has helped rescue residents and pets in flood-hit communities around the country. Many of the people rescued would not have left their homes if the safety of their pets not been assured.
The footprint recognises those organisations that have gone beyond their basic service requirements to ensure higher animal welfare standards. CAWF covers four areas of work (Footprints) that impact on animal welfare. The areas are:
- contingency planning
- stray dog services
- housing
- animal welfare principles
Each ‘Footprint’ has three levels – bronze, silver and gold – each level carrying progressively more demanding criteria.
The award acknowledges that the authority has considered the welfare of companion animals within contingency plans – both in the planning process and in training and exercising. It also recognises the advice the authority provide for pet owners on emergency preparedness.
Information on caring for your pet during a flood is available on the Monmouthshire Council website at http://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?categoryID=widgetCategoryID&documentID=1131
