Double award truimph for Wrexham's animal welfare services

Wrexham Public Protection Department has received two awards in recognition of its innovative approach to Animal Welfare. The awards were presented to representatives of the service at the Delivering Pet Welfare in Wales conference in Cardiff on 11 November 2009.

The Minister for Rural Affairs Elin Jones A.M. presented the RSPCA Community Animal Welfare Gold Footprint Award to the authority's Dog Warden Service. The Gold Footprint Award is a prestigious accolade awarded by the animal charity RSPCA and recognises best practice in the Council's policies and procedures for dealing with stray dogs.

The award is only given to Local Authorities which can clearly demonstrate that they operate a first rate stray collection service which focuses on the animals' welfare. The Gold Award reflects the fact that Wrexham Councils Dog Warden Service ensures that the public have access to advice on responsible ownership and schemes which promote the benefits of neutering and micro-chipping.

The minister also presented the Animal Health and Welfare Team with an award for reaching the final in the RSPCA Innovator in Animal Welfare category. This award aims to celebrate local authorities and other organisations that have tried something different or innovative when tackling an issue relating to Animal Welfare.

The Team works with partners to develop innovative ways of providing education with regard to animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. This includes visits to schools, providing information and guidance, working within Community First groups and arranging micro-chipping events.

Andy Lewis, Chief Housing and Public Protection Officer said:

"These awards are in recognition of the hard work that these officers within the Public Protection Department have put in to ensure that standards of Animal Health and Welfare within the County Borough are improved. I congratulate the officers involved for their endeavours and the recognition they have rightly received."

"National recognition by an organisation such as the RSPCA demonstrates that our Officers operate to the highest standard and have shown commitment to both the service and the welfare of the animals they collect."

Cllr David Bithell, Lead Member for the Environment and Waste, said:

"The team have worked hard to deliver a high standard of service to residents in Wrexham and I would like to congratulate them for achieving these accolades and for their commitment to helping make Wrexham a cleaner, safer and greener place to live."

Wrexham Council now deals with ALL enquiries regarding lost and found stray dogs and members of the public are being asked not to call the police

For lost and stray dogs (Mon- Fri 8.30am -5.30pm) please call Wrexham Council on 01978 298989. Outside these times, including weekends, please call 01978 292055

The Police still retain responsibility for dangerous dogs. For this please contact the Police on 0845 6071002.