We’re a nation of animal lovers – and the RSPCA is encouraging local authorities and public bodies to show they are “for every kind” by entering the charity’s prestigious PawPrints Awards.
The RSPCA works in close partnership with public bodies to recognise and improve animal welfare standards, and the charity has celebrated community heroes with the one-of-a-kind scheme since 2008.
Working with councils, emergency services, the Armed Forces, vets and other public-sector service providers, the awards acknowledge those who surpass legal standards and raise the bar in animal welfare.
And this year sees the launch of an exciting new category – the Withnall Partnerships Award, created to honour outstanding collaboration between the RSPCA, local authorities, other public sector organisations, and animal welfare organisations and other teams or individuals. Named after former RSPCA Inspector Kirsty Withnall, who was known for her dedication to animal welfare and sadly passed away last year, it celebrates joint efforts that ensure better protection and treatment of animals.
Judges will be looking for both long-term and short-term partnerships that have led to real improvements in animal welfare and collaborations between councils, enforcement agencies, charities, businesses and more.
Alongside the Withnall Partnerships Award there are more “special” awards, to honour exceptional dedication, commitment, innovation and contributions to animal welfare.
Also new this year are five “hero” categories – Care Act Hero, Public Awareness Hero, Mental Wellbeing Hero, Fireworks Action Hero and Responsible Ownership Hero – to highlight the work being done to tackle specific animal welfare challenges and highlight the deep connection between humans and animal welfare.
Other awards include recognising public bodies for their delivery of stray dog services, licensing, housing services, contingency planning and kennelling – with gold, silver and bronze awards available in each category. Gold Plus and Platinum Plus awards are new for 2025, awarded to those who achieved bronze or platinum in four or more categories to offer extra recognition for consistent and outstanding public sector bodies.
Lee Gingell, RSPCA Public Affairs Manager, said: “It’s really important to highlight the incredible efforts we know so many go to for animals. We can’t wait to see this year’s entries and celebrate local animal welfare champions.
“The public sector plays a vital role in improving animal welfare standards – and year on year, we’re so proud of the part the PawPrints scheme plays in inspiring the improvement of standards. This commitment from public bodies has changed the lives of countless pets, wildlife, livestock and other animals, and yet this vital work often goes unheard.
“We want to shine a spotlight on the inspirational work done by so many, and encourage all public bodies to take part to show they are for every kind, and join us in creating a kinder world for every animal.”
Last year’s winners included Daniel Corp, an Animal Welfare Officer at Westminster City Council, who was recognised for his outstanding commitment – leading impactful initiatives, securing vital funding and managing complex cases. His efforts not only earned Westminster City Council multiple gold awards in the PawPrints scheme, but also resulted in significant financial savings and strengthened community engagement for the council.
PawPrints is endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Environment Health, the Local Government Animal Welfare Group, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, the Institute of Licensing and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare.
Entries are open until 18 July this year – and public bodies can apply via the RSPCA’s dedicated PoliticalAnimal website.
