Mansfield District Council’s Dog Control Service has been awarded a Gold Community Animal Welfare Footprint Award by the RSPCA for its high quality work in handling of stray dogs.

The prestigious award recognises that the council ensures that all stray dogs are treated humanely and safely while under the care of the council.

This includes having an effective out of hours service, the provision to treat any sick animal, assessment and rehoming policies, and a commitment to scanning and checking the ID of all recovered dogs and micro-chipping offered for minimal fee to all dogs being returned or rehomed.

Other criteria are:
•active promotion of responsible dog ownership
•appropriate training for officers in dog handling, behaviour and welfare.

Mansfield’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr Mick Barton, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, said: “We are delighted that the dog control team has been recognised for its high standards of animal welfare and its efficient and effective service in dealing with stray dogs.

“It is so nice to see members of our staff rewarded for their hard work and enthusiasm, when a lot of councils and departments are under such difficult financial restraints. This award proves that this service is working extremely well and of great benefit to the district.”