2024 Winners - RSPCA Political Animal
2024 PawPrints Awardees
We are proud to honour the 2024 PawPrints Awardees, who have each made remarkable contributions to animal welfare.
These individuals and organisations have demonstrated exceptional dedication, compassion, and innovation in their efforts to protect, promote and enhance the lives of animals.
Explore the inspiring work of this year's awardees and join us in celebrating their achievements in making a lasting impact on animal welfare.
On behalf of the RSPCA, I would like to extend my deepest thanks to everyone who entered this year's PawPrints Awards. Your dedication and passion for animal welfare are truly inspiring, and it's an honour to recognise the incredible work being done across the country. Each entry reflects a profound commitment to improving the lives of animals, and we're immensely proud to celebrate these achievements. Thank you for being a vital part of this journey to create a better world for every kind.
Special Recognition awards 2024
Daniel Corp (Animal Welfare Officer, Westminster City Council)
Congratulations to Daniel Corp for outstanding commitment to animal welfare at Westminster City Council. Over the past year, Daniel has led impactful initiatives, secured vital funding, and managed complex cases, all while driving Westminster City Council to new heights in animal welfare standards. His leadership, innovation, and dedication have not only earned Westminster City Council multiple gold awards in the RSPCA’s PawPrints scheme but have also resulted in significant financial savings and strengthened community engagement. Daniel’s efforts have made a lasting impact, setting a new benchmark for excellence in animal welfare.
Brian Evans (Animal Welfare & Environmental Enforcement Officer, Dacorum Borough Council)
Congratulations to Brian Evans for exceptional dedication to animal welfare at Dacorum Borough Council. Since joining in 2021, Brian has mastered complex legislation and handled challenging cases with compassion and leadership. His efforts have led to the successful rehoming of numerous animals and improved welfare conditions across the community. Brian's innovative approach, coupled with his ability to build strong relationships with partner agencies, has set a new standard for animal welfare collaboration, enforcement and community engagement.
Animal Licensing Wales
Congratulations to the team at Animal Licensing Wales (ALW). Since its inception in 2021, ALW has played a transformative role in enhancing animal welfare enforcement across Wales, particularly in tackling illegal dog breeding and puppy importation. With a specialised team supporting local authorities, ALW has helped secure significant prosecutions and positive welfare outcomes, setting a new standard for consistency and excellence in the field. Their innovative training programmes and collaborative efforts have not only improved animal welfare, but also positioned Wales as a leader in animal welfare enforcement across the UK.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: PC Mike Barrowman (North West Regional Organised Crime Unit)
Congratulations to PC Mike Barrowman of the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit for being highly commended in this year's awards! PC Barrowman's exceptional commitment to animal welfare has played a crucial role in rescuing and protecting numerous animals through his collaboration with the RSPCA and other partners. His leadership and proactive collaboration have strengthened inter-agency efforts, resulting in significant animal rescues and successful welfare prosecutions. By educating fellow officers and streamlining processes, PC Barrowman has set a commendable example, enhancing both the efficiency of animal welfare interventions and community engagement.
Innovator in Animal Welfare Award 2024
Manchester Allotments Animal Welfare Review, Manchester City Council
Congratulations to the Manchester Allotments Animal Welfare Review, the recipient of this year's Innovator in Animal Welfare Award! This pioneering project by Manchester City Council addressed the rise of farm animals on urban allotments through a creative action plan, leading to the prohibition of most farm animals, except chickens and bees. The initiative’s comprehensive inspection process and improvement notices have significantly enhanced animal welfare in the city. With its scalable and adaptable approach, this project sets a new standard for urban animal welfare management and serves as a best practice model for other areas facing similar challenges.
Massingham Advocacy Awards 2024
This year marks the introduction of the Massingham Advocacy Award, a special honour celebrating both the RSPCA's 200th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of the Public Affairs team. Named in tribute to Mrs. Speedwell Massingham, the first RSPCA Public Affairs staff member and one of the earliest women elected to the House of Commons, this award recognises her pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to animal welfare.
The award honours elected representatives (past and present) who have shown exceptional dedication in advocating for animals, promoting respect, kindness, and compassion for every kind. We're proud to announce the inaugural awardees of the Massingham Advocacy Award:
Cllr Kerrie Carmichael
Congratulations to Cllr Kerrie Carmichael, Leader of Sandwell Council, for being one of the inaugural recipients of the Massingham Advocacy PawPrints Award. Cllr Carmichael has shown exceptional dedication to animal welfare by leading Sandwell Council in adopting a pioneering Animal Welfare Charter and actively supporting the RSPCA's 2024 Local Government Animal Welfare Manifesto. Her tireless efforts to raise standards and integrate animal welfare into council policies set a new benchmark for local authorities, making her a true champion for animal welfare in her community.
Dr. Neil Hudson MP
Congratulations to Dr. Neil Hudson MP, a deserving recipient of the Massingham Advocacy Award. Neil has consistently championed animal welfare in Parliament, raising critical issues such as puppy smuggling, the import of dogs with cropped ears, and the impact of disposable vapes on animals. As Vice-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Animal Welfare, he has also played a key role in advocating for reforms to the Veterinary Surgeons Act and welfare at slaughter. His tireless efforts have significantly raised the profile of animal welfare in Parliament and contributed positively to national debates on these important issues.
Carolyn Thomas MS
Congratulations to Carolyn Thomas MS for being honoured with a Massingham Advocacy Award. Since her election to the Senedd in 2021, Carolyn has been a steadfast advocate for animal welfare, using her platform to drive positive change. As Chair of the Senedd’s Cross Party Group on Animal Welfare, which she established, Carolyn has brought together key stakeholders to address issues like greyhound racing, animal sanctuary licensing, and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on pet owners. She has led efforts to secure more rights for pet-owning renters and consistently supports initiatives that enhance protections for wild animals and improve enforcement powers for the RSPCA. Carolyn's unwavering commitment makes her one of the strongest voices for animal welfare in the Senedd.
Anna Firth
Congratulations to Anna Firth, former MP for Southend West, for being honoured with a Massingham Advocacy Award. Anna made significant contributions to animal welfare by spearheading the Pet Abduction Act through Parliament and securing key debates that raised the profile of animal welfare issues at a national level. Her active participation in parliamentary drop-ins and events focused on addressing animal welfare challenges demonstrates her unwavering commitment to protecting and promoting animal welfare. Her leadership has left a lasting impact on the national conversation around animal welfare.
PawPrints Main Awards 2024
Since the inception of the PawPrints Awards, these categories have stood as the cornerstone of the scheme, celebrating the outstanding contributions of organisations, teams and individuals in various aspects of animal welfare. We extend our heartfelt thanks to this year's awardees for their unwavering dedication and exemplary service in the following key categories:
Stray Dog Services: Acknowledging those who go above and beyond in providing essential services for stray dogs, ensuring their safety, care, and eventual rehoming.
Animal Activity Licensing: Recognising excellence in the licensing of animal activities, ensuring that standards are met to protect the welfare of animals involved in licensed activities.
Housing: Celebrating initiatives that integrate animal welfare considerations into housing policies and practices, fostering environments where pets and people can thrive together.
Contingency Planning: Honouring exceptional planning and preparedness for emergencies which consider animal welfare, ensuring that animals and pet owners are safeguarded in times of crisis.
Kennelling: Commending high standards in the provision of kennelling services, ensuring that animals in temporary accommodation receive the highest level of care.
We extend our deepest gratitude to this year's awardees, whose commitment and passion continue to set the benchmark for excellence in animal welfare. Your contributions make a lasting impact in creating a world where all animals are treated with the respect, kindness and compassion they deserve.
Stray Dog Services
Platinum:
| Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council | England |
| Breckland District Council | England |
| Cheshire West and Chester Council | England |
| Cornwall Council | England |
| Croydon Council | England |
| Dacorum Borough Council | England |
| Hackney Council | England |
| Hartlepool Borough Council | England |
| London Borough of Newham | England |
| London Borough Wandsworth | England |
| Luton Borough Council | England |
| Medway Council | England |
| North West Leicestershire District Council | England |
| Northumberland County Council | England |
| Portsmouth City Council | England |
| Shared Regulatory Services (Bridgend, Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Councils) | Wales |
| Stockton on Tees Borough Council | England |
| Stroud District Council | England |
| Swale Borough Council | England |
| Westminster City Council | England |
| Winchester City Council | England |
| Wirral Council | England |
Gold:
| Broadland District Council | England |
| Cardiff Dogs Home | Wales |
| Charnwood Borough Council | England |
| Chelmsford City Council | England |
| East Suffolk Council | England |
| Forest of Dean District Council | England |
| Gravesham Borough Council | England |
| Great Yarmouth Borough Council | England |
| Havant Borough Council | England |
| London Borough of Hounslow | England |
| Newport City Council | Wales |
| North Norfolk District Council | England |
| Norwich City Council | England |
| Oxford City Council | England |
| South Norfolk Council | England |
| Wiltshire Council | England |
Silver:
| Cambridge City Council | England |
Animal Activity Licensing
Platinum:
| Corporation of London | England |
| Guildford Borough Council | England |
| Westminster City Council | England |
| Winchester City Council | England |
Gold:
| Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council | England |
| Bristol City Council | England |
| Chelmsford City Council | England |
| East Hertfordshire District Council | England |
| East Riding of Yorkshire Council | England |
| Havant Borough Council | England |
| London Borough of Hounslow | England |
| London Borough of Newham | England |
| Manchester City Council | England |
| Medway Council | England |
| Shared Regulatory Services | Wales |
| Swale Borough Council | England |
| Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council | England |
| Tunbridge Wells Borough Council | England |
Silver:
| Stroud District Council | England |
| Brentwood Borough Council | England |
| Rochford District Council | England |
| Thurrock Council | England |
Bronze:
| Tamworth Borough Council | England |
Housing
Platinum:
| Anchor | England |
| Dacorum Borough Council | England |
| Leeds City Council | England |
| London Borough Wandsworth | England |
| Westminster City Council | England |
Gold:
| Golding Homes | England |
| London Borough of Hounslow | England |
| Stroud District Council | England |
| Sussex Housing & Care | England |
| Victory Homes | England |
Silver:
| Medway Council | England |
| Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association | Wales |
| Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council | England |
| Tendring District Council | England |
Bronze:
| Caredig | Wales |
Contingency Planning
Platinum:
| Greater Manchester Local Resilience Forum | England |
| Monmouthshire County Council | Wales |
Gold:
| Leeds City Council | England |
Bronze:
| Cardiff Council | Wales |
| Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council | England |
| Forest of Dean District Council | England |
| Hackney Council | England |
| Stroud District Council | England |
| Westminster City Council | England |
Kennelling
Gold:
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