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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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BSAVA's new president starts role

News Story 1
 Julian Hoad has been confirmed as the new president of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA), taking over from Carl Gorman.

The veterinary surgeon is the BSAVA's 67th president, and has described stepping into the role as the pinnacle of his veterinary career.

Speaking at the BSAVA's AGM, Dr Hoad said: "I really do believe that the BSAVA will continue to go from strength to strength and will continue to maintain its relevance and position as the indispensable voice of the small animal veterinary profession." 

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Rise in temperature means increased bluetongue risk

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has warned that the recent rise in temperature means there is now an increased risk of bluetongue in England.

Although there have been no confirmed cases of the disease since March, the most recent risk assessment found that there is a very high probability of the virus being brought over by windborne midges from northern Europe.

Farms along the east and south coast of England, from Norfolk to East Sussex, are at the highest risk. Farmers are being asked to monitor their animals regularly for signs of the virus.

UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said: "We know that the likelihood of bluetongue virus entering Great Britain is increasing and so I would urge farmers to remain vigilant and report any suspicions to the Animal and Plant Health Agency."