Wiltshire Council's Dog Warden service has been nationally recognised with the Platinum Stray Dogs Award in the annual RSPCA PawPrints Awards 2025, the highest accolade available and a first-time achievement for the team.

The PawPrints Awards celebrate public sector organisations that go the extra mile to protect and promote animal welfare. The Platinum Award recognises councils that have consistently maintained Gold standard practices for five years or more and have demonstrated continued innovation and excellence in their stray dog services.

This year’s award is particularly significant, as the team has faced a surge in stray dog cases and increasing pressures on local shelters. Between January and September 2025 alone, the Dog Control Team responded to more than 500 reports of stray dogs, with 125 dogs taken to kennels after efforts to identify or contact their owners were unsuccessful. Despite these challenges, they continued to deliver outstanding care and support, setting a benchmark for others across the country.

The judging criteria for the Stray Dog Services category focus on excellence in managing stray dog collection, care, and rehoming. Councils must demonstrate: 

• Staff trained in welfare-focused handling and behaviour support for dogs.
• Strong procedures for caring for sick or injured stray dogs.
• Effective microchipping enforcement and responsible ownership initiatives.
• Reliable out-of-hours services, good record-keeping, and clear rehoming policies.

Cllr Paul Sample JP, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: "This is a truly exciting moment for Wiltshire Council’s Dog Warden team. Achieving the Platinum Award for the first time is a testament to their dedication, compassion, and professionalism. They always gone above and beyond in what are sometimes incredibly tough circumstances. From proactive work to encouraging responsible pet ownership, this team plays a vital role in animal welfare in Wiltshire.

“Too often, this work is unsung and I commend every member of the team for their tireless work. This recognition is richly deserved, and we couldn’t be prouder."

Lee Gingell, Public Affairs Manager at the RSPCA, said: “We’re delighted to recognise Wiltshire Council with the Platinum PawPrint for their Stray Dog Services in this year’s RSPCA PawPrints Awards. Their commitment to animal welfare is truly commendable, and we hope their example inspires others to strive for excellence.”

If anyone finds a stray dog and cannot contact the owner, it is a legal requirement to report it to Wiltshire Council by calling 0300 4560107.