DOG wardens in Dorset have won recognition from the RSPCA for providing a ‘gold standard’ in animal welfare for their stray dog service.

West Dorset District Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Councils’ dog wardens have achieved a 2017 Gold Stray Dog Footprint from the leading animal charity.

This is the second year running that they have achieved the award, which is part of the RSPCA’s Community Animal Welfare Footprints (CAWF) Awards.

Gold is the highest level of the footprint awards and recognises that the district and borough’s stray dog service provides excellent animal welfare.

Cllr Alan Thacker, Community Safety & Access Portfolio Holder for West Dorset District Council, said: “Our dog wardens thoroughly deserve this award, they do much more than deal with fouling and I am delighted that the RSPCA has recognised their commitment to animal welfare.”

Cllr Francis Drake, Community Safety Brief holder for Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, said: “I am delighted the work of our dog wardens has been recognised nationally. Their work is vital for our community and can be challenging at times.”

Members of the dog warden team will be attending the CAWF Winners Reception in London on Tuesday, November 28 to celebrate their achievements alongside the other winners.