Dog wardens receive 11th gold RSPCA award

The Forest of Dean street wardens have been awarded the gold RSPCA award

A dog warden service has received national recognition for its work with stray dogs for the 11th year running.

The Forest of Dean District Council Street Warden team has been awarded the gold PawPrints: Stray Dog Services Award by the RSPCA.

The four officers work across the district delivering animal welfare services and finding and rehoming stray dogs.

Councillor Jackie Dale said: "We have a brilliant team of street wardens working here at the council and this award highlights the work that they do."

The team also investigates animal welfare concerns, deals with anti-social behaviour and environmental crime, and removes abandoned vehicles.

Officers give presentations to local schools and visit vulnerable groups, including elderly people living in remote areas.

Team leader, Damion Collins said: "Winning this award again clearly demonstrates the council's commitment to the welfare of animals across the district.

"I must thank Forest of Dean Dog Rescue for their continued support in rehoming unclaimed stray dogs and would ask any resident concerned about animal welfare to get in touch and a member of the team can assist."

The team also received a bronze standard award for contingency planning.