A slumbering pooch, safe in his home Lynda Bowyer
Bracknell Forest Council has struck gold again with RSPCA awards for its work in animal welfare. Their emergency planning team has won a third Community Animal Welfare Footprint award from the charity for drawing up top plans to help animals of all shapes and sizes in the event of a disaster.
Bracknell Forest Council’s dog warden service has scored its third gold in the same awards for its comprehensive out-of-hours collection service, procedures to treat injured and sick stray dogs and suitable kennel facilities.
To win the contingency planning category award, the emergency planners proved they have a comprehensive plan for dealing with animals in an emergency, where residents and animals need to be moved from their homes, during floods, fires, transport disasters and gas leaks. Plans like this safeguard animals and encourage people to leave their homes in an emergency, as some owners can be reluctant to go, knowing their pet may be in danger.
Louise Osborn, emergency planning manager at Bracknell Forest Council, said: “We’re delighted the RSPCA recognises we have strong plans in place to deal with animals in emergency situations. This is our fifth award from the RSPCA and our third gold award.
“Experience has shown it’s easier to evacuate people’s homes if they know their animals are going to be safe and cared for.”
Diane Shacklady, operational support manager who leads the council’s dog warden service, said: “We’re thrilled to have a third gold award. We had to show the RSPCA we have basic dog handling and training for all officers responsible for stray dog collection, a clear rehoming policy and show how we work hard to encourage responsible pet ownership, including the promotion of micro chipping.”
Councillor Iain McCracken, executive member for Culture, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: “I’m delighted that the RSPCA has once again recognised the work we do for animal welfare across Bracknell Forest. My thanks and congratulations go to our officers for their continuing dedication.
“Pets are an integral part of the family, so it’s important we safeguard them in an emergency and make sure that if they go missing we can reunite them with their owners.”
Last modified on Friday, 12 September 2014 18:31
