Portsmouth Stray Dog Kennels recognised for ‘fantastic achievement’ in looking after canines

The kennels staff were thrilled after picking up gold for the seventh year in a row for the 2022 RSPCA PawPrint Awards. Helen Gunn, senior animal warden, and her team were assessed by the charity's nationwide PawPrint Awards. This is the only scheme to have been recognising good practice from local authorities in regard to animal welfare since 2008.

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The RSPCA awarded the Portsmouth kennels gold in their practice of handling stray dogs, an important and often undervalued service. It recognises the team's excellency in their collection and re-homing of stray dogs, as well as the systems and policies in place that ensure a high level of dog welfare, staff training, and promotion of responsible dog ownership.

Cabinet member for safety in the community, councillor Jason Fazackarley visited the kennels alongside council staff to congratulate the team with chocolates – and treats for the dogs. In attendance was Maisie the dog, taken in as a stray at the kennels just 11 weeks old. She was soon adopted by kennel assistant Jeannette Clabby, Maise is now thriving and is an example of the amazing work done here.

Cllr Fazackarley said: ‘Seven years of gold standard accolades for our work with stray dogs is a fantastic achievement. So much hard work goes on behind the scenes to improve animal welfare locally, and I'm delighted our staff have been recognised by the RSPCA for it. I congratulate all involved.’

Helen Gunn, senior animal warden, added: ‘Owners can really help our kennel team by keeping their pets safe, microchipped and wearing ID tags. It's legally required for dogs to be both microchipped and to wear an ID tag with their owner’s name and address, but we'd recommend putting a telephone number on there too. These small things mean we can reunite owners with their pets as quickly as possible.’

The kennels team assist the public by taking in and collecting stray dogs found in Portsmouth before assessing the dog’s condition and caring for them in their modern kennels facility until contact with the owner can be made.