ODS dog warden service strikes gold

ODS, Oxford City Council’s wholly owned company, has achieved the PawPrints Gold standard for going above and beyond to deliver excellent services that protect and promote the welfare of stray dogs and responsible ownership.  

The RSPCA PawPrints is the only award scheme of its kind in England and Wales and is a unique opportunity for public-sector bodies and organisations to be celebrated for their work.  

"Being recognised by the RSPCA for our efforts in caring for other people's animals is incredibly humbling. We strive to go above and beyond in helping pet owners and protecting the welfare of stray dogs in Oxford.

"I will always treat every dog in my care as if it were part of my own family, as we are privileged to receive such unconditional love from our furry friends. They rely on us to take care of their needs and return that love, and I’m truly proud that our dedication has been recognised nationally in this way. Ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in Oxford, both human and animal, remains my utmost priority." 
Ady Higgs, ODS Dog Warden 

“We’ve seen a six per cent increase in entries to our PawPrints Awards this year, highlighting the crucial role that public bodies play in advancing animal welfare. It’s vital to celebrate the fantastic efforts being made to improve the lives of animals wherever possible. It’s evident that local authorities in England and Wales are deeply committed to animal welfare. This is something we are incredibly proud to honour through these awards.”  
Lee Gingell, public affairs manager for local government at the RSPCA 

“Once again ODS, working in partnership with the City Council, has demonstrated what a great job the dog warden service does in looking after stray dogs and helping to find lost ones. And it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Last year the RSPCA awarded the service Bronze status. Now it’s done even better with a Gold award for animal welfare. Congratulations and thanks to all those involved in receiving this award.” 
Councillor Nigel Chapman, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services and Council Companies 

Running since 2008, the RSPCA’s flagship PawPrints awards recognise local authorities and public bodies for going above and beyond to deliver world-class animal welfare services. 

The criteria for this award included handling, welfare, and behavioural training for staff, procedures to ensure sick and injured strays are cared for, enforcing microchipping legislation and promoting responsible ownership, a provision of a reception/staffed out-of-hours service, clear and accurate record management, and a rehoming policy that protects the welfare of animals. 

The RSPCA PawPrints awards offer a unique opportunity for recognition of impactful work and inspiring reflection on animal welfare services and encourages decision-makers at all levels to recognise and value the indispensable role that local authorities play in protecting animals. 

For more information on the City Council’s dog warden service visit the Dogs page on the Council’s website. 

For more information on the PawPrints Awards visit the RSPCA website.