Gold stamp of approval for Animal Welfare Team

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council has once again secured one of the RSPCA's most prestigious awards for its work with stray dogs.

The Council's Animal Welfare team won 'Gold' in the stray dog services category of the charity's PawPrints Awards 2023, which recognise organisations that go above and beyond to ensure higher animal welfare standards. 

The award honours the Council's efforts to protect the welfare of stray dogs in its care as well as its promotion of responsible dog ownership.

Councillor Norma Stephenson, the Council's Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: "The Animal Welfare team work extremely hard to look after dogs which come into our care, and I'm delighted their efforts are being celebrated.

"This is the only award scheme of its kind in England and Wales so it's a real coup to get national recognition for the care and protection they give to vulnerable animals in our Borough."

In 2018 the council received a rare Platinum PawPrint - the highest RSPCA accolade a local authority can receive - after retaining 'Gold' status for five years in a row, and in recognition of the awards 10th anniversary.

For more information the services provided by the Council's animal welfare team, including what to do if you find a stray dog or lose your own, visit the Council's Animal Welfare webpage.