Council’s “outstanding commitment” to animal welfare in East Devon recognised at RSPCA awards

East Devon District Council has received the Gold award in Animal Activity Licensing at the RSPCA PawPrints Awards 2025.

The prestigious honour recognises the council’s leadership in raising welfare standards across animal-related businesses through robust regulation, close partnership working, and a strong focus on animal welfare. 

The only scheme of its kind in England and Wales, the PawPrints Awards celebrate local authorities, housing providers and public bodies that go the extra mile to protect and promote animal welfare in their communities. 

In East Devon, the council’s Environmental Health team has been working proactively with businesses to ensure high standards of care are consistently met. Officers provide advice, inspections and ongoing support to ensure licensed activities put animal welfare first. 

Among their achievements, the team: 

• Leads, with West Devon Borough Council, the South West Animal Welfare Group, a regional forum with direct input to the National Companion Animal Welfare Panel.  

• Demonstrates professional excellence through specialist training, including City & Guilds inspection qualifications and microchipping certification. 

• Promotes welfare and community trust by running events like Pawsitive Impact, offering low-cost microchipping and free vet health checks. 

• Balances education with enforcement, supporting operators while maintaining zero tolerance for repeat offenders. 

• Acts proactively by requiring licence holders and vendors to meet or exceed Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) standards. 

Councillor Geoff Jung, Portfolio Holder Environment – Operations, East Devon District Council, said: “We are really pleased to receive this Gold PawPrint Award, which reflects the outstanding commitment of our officers in maintaining and raising standards for animal welfare across East Devon. This award is recognition not just of regulatory excellence, but of the strong relationships we’ve built with local residents and businesses, and our shared commitment to ensuring animals are safe, cared for and respected.” 

Lee Gingell, Public Affairs Manager at the RSPCA, said: “We’re delighted to recognise East Devon District Council with the Gold PawPrint for Animal Activity Licensing in this year’s RSPCA PawPrints Awards. Their commitment to animal welfare is truly commendable, and we hope their example inspires others to strive for excellence.” 

The award will be formally presented at a ceremony in Leeds in November 2025.