The stray dog service has picked up its 12th Gold Pawprint in a row from The RSPCA in recognition of its good practice in animal welfare.
The award for contingency planning is the fifth consecutive time the council has picked up the award in recognition of the work done to protect animal welfare in the event of an emergency.
The council also provides information to help animal-based businesses be prepared to look after their animals in the event of an emergency.
Cllr Roger Truelove, leader of the council, who also has responsibility for emergency planning, said:
“We’re delighted to be recognised for all the hard work we do in caring for stray dogs and the welfare of animals during an emergency.
“Despite the demands of the pandemic, our resilience team have continued to work incredibly hard to make sure we have procedures and processes in place to ensure the welfare of animals during an emergency.
“We strongly encourage everyone who keeps or works with animals to think about what they would do with them in the event of an emergency.”
Cllr Julian Saunders, cabinet member for environment at the council, said:
“This award recognises the stray dog services willingness to go the extra mile make sure we have high welfare standards for the animals across the borough.
“Obviously, we would rather people didn’t lose their pets, but I find it comforting to know that if a dog is picked up by the team, it will receive amazing care and attention.
“The fact they’ve received the highest accolade from the RSPCA for 12 years in a row shows the high level of service we provide.”
For news on stray dogs found in Swale, follow the council’s Twitter account or the service’s Facebook page
To find out more about how you can prepare to look after your animals during an emergency, visit www.swale.gov.uk/emergency-pet-welfare
To report a stray dog during normal office hours, the public should call 01795 417850 where arrangements will be made for the dog to be collected.
If a dog is found between 5:00pm and 9:00pm on weekday evenings, and between 9:00am and 9:00pm at weekends and on bank holidays, the public should ring the found stray dog line on 07795 237479.
Swale Borough Council
