A DOG warden team in Wiltshire has recently scooped up a special accolade from the RSPCA. 

Wiltshire Council's Dog Warden Service has received recognition from the RSPCA PawPrints Awards 2023.

This awards scheme celebrates and rewards local councils and organisations for going above and beyond to deliver the best animal welfare services five main areas; stray dog services, licensing of activities involving animals, contingency/emergency planning, housing and kennelling. 

The awards are three-tiered and nominees can achieve bronze, silver or gold awards, with each level carrying progressively more challenging criteria.

Wiltshire Council has been awarded a gold Pawprints Stray Dogs Services Award for the third year running.

The team were praised for introducing an innovative registered dog walker scheme after seeing an increased demand in people looking for dog walkers following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wardens of the team noticed that people were offering to walk dogs without previous experience, or the correct equipment and training and also identified that dog walkers help with reporting lost and found stray dogs.

The team will be able to collect this award at a ceremony in Leeds on Wednesday, November 8.

Cllr Nick Holder, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for public protection, said: "We are extremely proud of our Dog Warden Service and all that they have achieved. 

"The dog walker scheme has been really popular since its launch in July 2021, and there are now six dog walking businesses registered with us.

"The feedback from all members has been really positive and their membership on the scheme has helped to increase their business.

“Dog owners who use a dog walking business that is registered on the scheme, can be assured that they have the correct insurance, have suitable vehicles to transport their pet and adhere to a code of conduct to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the dogs in their care. 

"All things that help to put owners minds at rest whilst they are not with their pets. 

"Congratulations to everyone involved – this award and being recognised yet again as a gold standard in the Pawprints Stray Dogs Award are very well deserved."

For more information about the Dog Warden team visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/env-health-dogs