by Hayley Robinson

A stray dog service has been recognised by an animal charity for the third year running.

The Swale council scheme has been awarded the Stray Dogs Gold Footprint by the RSPCA as part of the Community Animal Welfare Footprint 2012.

Launched in 2008, it rewards and promotes councils’ good practice in animal welfare.

It also recognises organisations that have gone above and beyond their basic service requirements to ensure higher animal welfare standards, and those that show the importance of information and education – such as promoting schemes such as microchipping.

Tim Oxley, Swale council’s animal control officer, said: “We are really pleased that our work has been recognised again by the RSPCA at such a high level. Such recognition is a real fillip to the efforts of the whole team.

“We know that we offer an excellent stray dog service, but proving it can be tricky.

“We are always glad of the support we receive locally from our press, who always help us to publicise our microchipping days and the cases where we are able to reunite dogs who have been presumed lost with their owners.

“We are also grateful to our partners and to residents who take up the incentive of having their dogs microchipped.

“The Footprint awards are split into four levels: bronze, silver, gold and platinum. The platinum level is attained by local authorities which achieve the gold level for five consecutive years, which is our next goal.

“To continue to be one of only two local authorities in Kent to be recognised in this way and receive the Gold Footprint Award is fantastic.

“It’s another good example that clearly demonstrates Swale council is committed to becoming a high-performing organisation.”

To report a stray dog during normal office hours, call 01795 417850, where arrangements will be made for the dog to be collected.

If a dog is found between 5pm and 9pm on weekday evenings, and between 9am and 9pm at weekends and on bank holidays (excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Easter Sunday), the public are asked to ring 07795 237479.