RSPCA scheme open for entries

An RSPCA awards scheme which rewards local authorities and housing providers that have pioneered higher welfare animal policies is now open for entries.

The RSPCA’s Community Animal Welfare Footprints (CAWF) scheme was launched three years ago and has now become established as a recognised seal of approval that is officially supported by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) and the Trading Standards Institute (TSI).

There were 102 entries to the scheme in last year’s awards, with 71 organisations sharing the 88 footprints awarded. It is expected that there will be even more entries in 2010 as the awards continue to grow in stature.

Piers Claughton, RSPCA senior local government advisor, said: “In the Footprints first two years we have been able to celebrate and promote good practice across the country from local authorities and housing providers, including producing a pets in housing guidance based on case studies of our achievers.

“In the tough economic climate many entrants have found that the internal and external recognition CAWF has brought them has helped ensure that the levels of funding for service delivery has been maintained or, in some cases, enhanced.”

There are four footprints to apply for as part of CAWF, each one impacting on animal welfare. These are:

•Stray dog services
•Housing
•Contingency planning
•Animal welfare principles

Each footprint has three levels – bronze, silver and gold – which have progressively more demanding criteria. Successful entrants will receive a CAWF gold, silver or bronze logo to use on their organisation’s website and letterheads.

Bob Mayho, from CIEH, said: “The RSPCA Footprint awards highlight the very best and innovative examples in local authority animal welfare practice and the CIEH is delighted to offer its continued support. We would urge environmental health departments to participate in the scheme.”

Jeremy Adams, from TSI, added: “The Trading Standards Institute is delighted to lend its support to the RSPCA Footprint awards. During the past few years entrants have demonstrated excellent examples of innovation and best practice relating to animal welfare.

“The awards have made a significant contribution to raising the profile of animal welfare in many local authorities and I would encourage them to enter in 2010.”

As well as the four footprint categories, four prestigious Innovator Awards will also be presented to organisations the judges feel have pioneered effective new methods or achieved outstanding results in improving animal welfare.

Four Innovator Awards are presented in the following categories:

•Unitary and County Innovator
•District and Borough Innovator
•Wales Unitary Innovator
•Housing and multi-agency Innovator

The closing date for the 2010 RSPCA Community Animal Welfare Footprints scheme is Friday, 23 July. Entry forms can be downloaded from www.rspca.org.uk/cawf. Hard copies can be obtained by writing to CAWF, External Affairs, RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, West Sussex, RH13 9RS.