Dog wardens across Dorset have won recognition from the RSPCA for the third year running for providing a 'gold standard' in animal welfare.

Wardens from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and North and West Dorset District Councils have achieved a 2018 gold Stray Dog Footprint from the national animal charity.

It is the third year running that the councils have achieved the accolade, which is part of the RSPCA’s PawPrints Awards, formerly known as the Community Animal Footprint Awards (CAWF).

The award recognises that the three councils' stray dog service provides excellent animal welfare.

Cllr Mike Byatt, spokesman for community safety in Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: "I am pleased that the work of our dog wardens has been recognised nationally. Their work is vital for our community and this award is very well-deserved."

Since 2008, the RSPCA’s PawPrints Awards have been recognising good practice from local authorities, housing providers and contingency planners in relation to animal welfare.

The awards cover four areas of service provided by the public sector that has some impact on animal welfare, which are stray dog services, housing, contingency planning and animal establishments licensing.

Each footprint has three levels – bronze, silver and gold – which carry progressively more demanding criteria. Successful entrants will receive a PawPrints gold, silver or bronze logo to use on their organisation’s website and letterheads, as well as a certificate.

Cllr Alan Thacker, spokesman for community safety and access in West Dorset District Council, said: "Our dog wardens deserve this award and I am delighted that their excellent work has been recognised. They do so much more than deal with fouling and it is great that the RSPCA has recognised their commitment to animal welfare."

Members of the dog warden team will be attending a winners reception in London on Tuesday, November 27 to celebrate their achievements.

Cllr Michael Roake, spokesman for environment in North Dorset District Council, said: "Congratulations to our dog wardens, it is great that the RSPCA has recognised their hard work and dedication to improving animal welfare."