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RSPCA PawPrints awards set to honour public bodies
"These are tough times for humans and animals alike - but many public bodies are doing huge amounts to help" - Lee Gingell, RSPCA.
Awards recognise organisations going the extra mile for animals amid the rising cost of living.

A leading animal welfare charity is inviting applications for an awards scheme recognising public bodies that go above and beyond to deliver high animal welfare standards.

Now in its 15th year, the RSPCA PawPrints scheme recognises local authorities, housing providers and other public bodies that offer a lifeline for animals and their owners.

Split into five categories – housing, stray dog services, animal activity licensing, contingency plannine and kennelling – the awards recognise organisations that provide services above the minimum standard.

The launch comes as research by the RSPCA suggests around one in five pet owners (19%) are concerned about feeding their pets amind the rising cost of living.

The award criteria includes proactive work to encourage responsible pet ownership, discounted pet microchips in the social housing sector, and collaborations with local animal welfare charities.

Awards also recognise readiness for crisis situations, such as flooding, and the welfare standards at kenneling facilities used by local authroties when boarding dogs.

Lee Gingell, RSPCA public affairs manager for local government, said: “These are tough times for humans and animals alike - but many public bodies are doing huge amounts to help, and we want to celebrate that.

“The RSPCA is delighted to again launch our prestigious PawPrints awards, which showcase the amazing work local authorities, housing providers and other public bodies do for animal welfare in their communities."

He added: “Too often, these services are sometimes underappreciated. But these services are likely to offer a lifeline to people and pets; and in these tough times, the prioritisation of welfare is more important than ever.

“From stray dog services, to contingency planning, to ensuring the social housing sector supports owners, we can’t wait to help public bodies once again prove to their users that they care about animals and have the services to match."

Applications close on 19 August 2022, with bronze, silver or gold awards up for grabs, depending on levels of service provision. Council officers and other public sector staff are invited to apply via the RSPCA website.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.