L-R Becky Corbin with Solo (two year old cross between a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Collie), Cllr Xena Dion, Nikki Cooper with Aslan (ten year old cross between a German Shepherd and Pyrenean Mountain Dog) and Sarah Whitbourn with Charlie (7 year old Jack Russell). All of the dogs were strays but they now live with the respective Dog Warden
Borough of Poole has been recognised by a national animal charity for excellence in its work with stray dogs.
The RSPCA awarded their Gold Footprint Award for stray dogs, valuing the comprehensive and proactive service provided by the council’s Dog Wardens in helping to reduce dog welfare related issues in Poole. The award criterion takes a detailed look at stray dog welfare from the initial collection and kennelling process, through to proactive work to educate owners and finally to preventative measures to reduce both straying and long term strays.
Last year the council achieved the Silver Award, but was honoured with a Gold Award this year after making a range of improvements to its service. These included providing a 24 hour/seven days a week service for dealing with stray dogs, providing a micro chipping service and a stray dog rehoming policy. In addition social media is used to reunite dogs with their owners and Dog Wardens focus on promoting responsible dog ownership such as dog antisocial behaviour, dog fouling and dangerous/nuisance dogs.
Jeff Morley, Team Manager for Animal Welfare, Borough of Poole, said: “We are delighted to win this award as it not only recognises the hard work and commitment our staff have to animal welfare, but it also demonstrates that our service is really valued by the RSPCA. You can’t get a better accolade than that.”
Councillor Xena Dion, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for a Prosperous and Sustainable Poole, Borough of Poole, said: “This is an important service which is valued by our community, so it’s great to see our staff rewarded in this way. “Since January our Dog Wardens have picked up 176 stray dogs and thankfully over 80% of these dogs were re-united with their owners. The remainder were placed with re-homing centres to find them loving new homes. Losing your dog can be quite upsetting so it’s reassuring to know that Poole provides one of the best services in the country to reunite you with your pet.”
The award is part of the RSPCA’s annual Community Animal Welfare Footprints Awards Scheme which is backed by Rt Hon Eric Pickles, The Secretary of State For Communities and Local Government.
