Hounslow Council has once again been recognised by the RSPCA's prestigious PawPrints Awards, landing two Platinum prizes and a trio of Golds for delivering high standards of animal welfare.
This year's awards recognise organisations that go above and beyond in protecting and promoting animal welfare through innovative services, partnership working and education.
Hounslow was recognised in the following categories:
Core Award - Animal Activities Licensing: Gold
Core Award - Contingency Planning: Gold
Core Award - Housing and Animals: Gold
Core Award - Kennelling: Platinum
Core Award - Stray Dog Services: Platinum
Special Award - Withnall Partnerships Award: Finalist
Platinum recognition reflects sustained excellence in the borough's stray dog service and continued investment in protecting lost, abandoned and vulnerable animals.
Hounslow’s Animal Welfare team regularly deal with stray dogs, including Cali (pictured), a young Malinois crossbreed who was found earlier this year wandering alone in a public park. The team housed Cali in the council’s kennel accommodation, before dog handlers successfully rehomed her in a working environment.
While dogs are staying in Hounslow’s kennels, they benefit from a care programme including walks, sensory stimulation and enrichment activities, like mystery boxes with treats hidden in spaces with various textures and smells.
In addition, the team works with the police to tackle animal-welfare related criminal offences like illegal dog breeding. It also offers support to vulnerable residents, bringing their pets into council care while their owners are hospitalised.
The London Borough of Hounslow’s inclusion as a finalist in The Withnall Partnerships Awards for the second year running, recognises the Animal Welfare team’s partnership working with the RSPCA, Metropolitan Police, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, vets, neighbouring councils, and others.
Amongst specific cases cited were the rescue of abandoned cats and kittens, the removal of sixteen cats from filthy conditions, supported action against low-welfare breeding and helping seriously injured stray dogs reach specialist treatment, rather than euthanasia.
Councillor Amy Croft, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Enforcement and Recycling at Hounslow Council, said:
"We are delighted to receive this recognition from the RSPCA. These awards reflect the dedication of our officers and partners who work hard throughout the year to ensure the welfare of animals across the borough.
"Animal welfare is an important part of creating safe, responsible and compassionate communities, and we are proud that Hounslow continues to be recognised for its commitment to high standards."
