Cardiff Dogs Home and Cardiff Council's Emergency Management Unit have won RSPCA Cymru awards for their efforts to improve animal welfare.

Both organisations have been recognised as part of RSPCA Cymru's annual awards the Community Animal Welfare Footprints (CAWF).

Cardiff Dogs Home won gold in the Stray Dog category and the Emergency Management Unit received a bronze award in the Contingency Planning section. They will be presented with their awards at a special ceremony next month.

Cabinet Member for Clean Streets, Recycling and Environment, Cllr Michael Michael said: "I would like to thank our staff at Cardiff Dogs Home and the Emergency Management Unit for their dedication and hard work which has resulted in this recognition from RSPCA Cymru. I am reliably informed that Cardiff Dogs Home have won a CAWF award every year since they began in 2008 and that they've now achieved four golds. This is a fantastic achievement and underlines the important public service they provide both individually and in partnership with the Emergency Management Unit."

RSPCA Cymru's Public Affairs Manager, Paul Smith said: "RSPCA Cymru is so proud to recognise sixteen organisations across Wales, as part of the CAWF scheme. CAWF is an established, well-regarded accolade, which continues to pay tribute to the swathes of good practice across the country, whether it be with regards to stray dog provision, housing, licensing or contingency planning.

"With five organisations in Wales winning the most prestigious awards yet again, CAWF is certainly enjoying a golden era ahead of the scheme's tenth anniversary next year. How we treat our fellow living creatures' matters so much to people - and this scheme is all about emphasising the practical, tangible but hugely beneficial steps which bodies can take to further animal welfare within their local communities.

"It's heartening to see so many that go beyond statutory requirements towards animals, despite a challenging financial climate. RSPCA Cymru will continue to work closely with organisations from across the public sector to ensure the welfare of animals is at the forefront of their activities."