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RSPCA launches new award for elected officials
The awards also include categories for local authorities' work providing stray dogs services, kenneling, and contingency planning.
Local authorities urged to apply for animal welfare awards.

The RSPCA has launched a new award as part of its PawPrints Awards, which recognise public sector organisations that surpass legal minimum standards in animal welfare and set benchmarks of excellence.

The new award, the Massingham Advocacy Award, will celebrate elected representatives whose advocacy for animals has been outstanding. The category is open to a wide range of elected officials, including MPs, local councillors, mayors, and police and crime commissioners.

Launched to celebrate the RSPCA’s 200th anniversary and 100 years since the founding of its public affairs team, the award is named after Gertrude Speedwell Massingham, who served as the charity’s first public affairs member of staff.

In addition, the charity also hopes to mark its 200th anniversary by celebrating the work of 200 local public sector bodies in England and Wales as part of this year’s awards. The RSPCA is urging public sector bodies to put in applications.

Other categories in the awards include the delivery of stray dog services, licensing, kennelling, housing services, and contingency planning. Local authorities can receive a gold, silver, and bronze award for each category. There are also special awards given out to celebrate exceptional contributions to animal welfare and innovations in addressing welfare issues.

Lee Gingell, the RSPCA’s local government manager, said: “The public sector plays such an important role in improving animal welfare standards – and we’re proud that the PawPrints scheme has inspired the improvement of standards and positively changed the lives of countless pets, livestock, wildlife and other animals.

“With many new councils and councillors taking up their positions in recent weeks, there's never been a better time for public bodies to show they are for every kind and join us in creating a kinder world for every animal.”

Information about how to apply can be found on the RSPCA’s website.

Image © Shutterstock

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.