Cardiff Dogs Home has been praised by the RSPCA who recognised the standard of kennelling, and the way stray dogs are looked after at the Cardiff Council facility with two PawPrints Awards.

Cabinet Member with responsibility for Cardiff Dogs Home, Councillor Dan De'Ath, said: "The team at Cardiff Dogs Home do a superb job and have done for many years - this year's gold award in the stray dogs category, and the silver award for kennelling come on top of at least one RSPCA PawPrints award every year since 2008. That's a fantastic achievement and demonstrates just how committed they are to the animals that find themselves in their care."

The team at the Dogs Home are supported by an army of volunteers and its partnership with local charity The Rescue Hotel. Established 18 months ago the charity has already raised more than £320,000 towards the refurbishment of the kennels through a variety of activities including fundraising events, donations and grant applications, as well as sales of its popular Cardiff Dogs Home calendar. 

Lee Gingell, the RSPCA's public affairs manager for local government, said: "Despite the difficult climate, we're absolutely over the moon to see 50 public bodies across England and Wales picking up PawPrint awards this year.It is a tough time for many pet owners, as the cost of living crisis continues to bite - so we know many of the schemes and procedures that PawPrints recognises will be more important than ever; so we are thrilled to see such high engagement with the scheme yet again. 

"From programmes to encourage responsible pet ownership, to discounted microchipping and policies to protect animals during emergency situations, there's so much great work that goes on behind the scenes from public bodies - and, in this climate, these services are so often a lifeline for pets and their owners.

"Too often, this work is unsung and doesn't get the credit it deserves. PawPrints is all about shouting from the rooftops - that 50 public bodies, across England and Wales, are going above and beyond for animals; looking way past statutory minimums because it's the right thing to do - for humans and animals."

To find out more and to support Cardiff Dogs Home, visit: https://www.cardiffdogshome.co.uk/