Newtown-based housing association has been awarded the prestigious RSPCA Cymru gold award for its work in “going above and beyond for animal welfare”.
Mid-Wales Housing Association is one of 17 organisations recognised by the animal charity, but just one of nine to receive the top gold standard as part of its prestigious PawPrints scheme.
Formerly known as the Community Animal Welfare Footprints (CAWF), PawPrints has been running since 2008 and is the only awards programme in Wales recognising good practice from public bodies in relation to animal welfare.
Mid-Wales Housing Association have been recognised for their housing policy - their first gold after receiving silver in 2019. It is also the first housing gold in Wales.
Jean O’Neill, Interim Director of Customer Services, said: “I am delighted and honoured that Mid-Wales Housing Association have been granted the first gold for the ‘housing award’ in Wales in the RSPCA PawPrint awards.
“The Mid-Wales Housing’s Community Housing Team have worked tirelessly to continue to strike the right balance between the pleasure that animal ownership can bring, against the possible nuisance that irresponsible ownership can cause.
“Mid-Wales Housing was first granted the bronze award two years ago, the silver award last year and it is great to see that we have exceeded this once again by receiving the gold award this year. The award recognises Mid-Wales Housing’s emphasis on good practice, including clearly defined procedures, advice and guidance, with the aim of improving outcomes for both tenants, residents and pets.”
Awards are divided into five categories, awarded to bronze, silver or gold standard. They recognise the achievements of public service organisations for their stray dog services, contingency planning, housing policy, animal activity licensing and kennelled dog welfare.
The awards are supported by the Welsh Government, the Welsh Local Government Association, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.