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Nominations are now open for this year's RSPCA's PawPrints Awards. And this year the charity is encouraging local authorities and public bodies to apply to showcase the work they do to raise the bar when it comes to animal welfare. The Withnall Partnerships Award, has been created to honour outstanding collaboration between the RSPCA, other 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 died 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. 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.
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 from the North West 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.” Other awards include recognising public bodies for their delivery of stray dog services, licensing, housing services, contingency planning and kennelling - with platinum, 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 to platinum in four or more categories. At last year’s awards, coinciding with the RSPCA’s 200th anniversary, Manchester City Council scooped the Innovator in Animal Welfare Award, with their Manchester Allotments Animal Welfare Review. The council’s pioneering project addressed the rise of farm animals on urban allotments through a creative action plan - leading to the prohibition of most farm animals, except chickens and bees - and has significantly enhanced animal welfare in the city.
Entries are open until 18 July this year - and public bodies can apply via the RSPCA’s dedicated PoliticalAnimal website..
