A COUNCIL has been recognised for its outstanding work in animal welfare.

Rochford District Council has been given the RSPCA’s silver Stray Dogs Footprint and the silver Animal Welfare Principles Footprint awards.

It has also been given the gold Footprint, the RSPCA’s highest accolade, for its work to ensure animals are looked after in emergency situations.

Mavis Webster, councillor championing animal welfare, said: “The council takes the issue of animal welfare extremely seriously and we’re delighted to have added to the awards we have received in previous years from the RSPCA.

“To be recognised with a gold award for our contingency planning for animals in an emergency situation, as well as retaining our silver awards for our work with stray dogs and our Animal Welfare Charter, is a tribute to the work of council officers such as emergency planner Peter McKenzie and senior environmental assistant Heather Meggison who work consistently with members to ensure we offer the best services we can – whether it’s for our residents, or their pets.”