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Posted: 9th April 2025

Nominations open for RSPCA PawPrints Awards
This is the first year of the Withnall Partnerships Award.
The award will recognise vets and vet nurses in the public sector.

Veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses have been invited to nominate themselves for the RSPCA’s PawPrints Awards.

The award will celebrate the collaborations with public bodies, such as councils, emergency services and the Armed Forces, which improve animal health and welfare.

The RSPCA’s PawPrints Awards were first launched in 2008 to acknowledge public bodies and community heroes which surpass legal standards to care for animals. This includes veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and practices which have worked in partnership within councils and the public sector.

This year marks the introduction of a new awards category – the Withnall Partnerships Award.

The new category recognises the collaborations that the RSPCA has with other animal welfare organisations, teams and individuals. It celebrates their joint efforts ensuring protection and treatment of animals.

The award is named in honour of the late Kirsty Withnall, an RSPCA inspector known for her dedication to animal welfare and her work tackling serious animal crime.

Both long-term and short-term partnerships will be considered for the accolade. This will include collaborations between councils, enforcement agencies, charities, businesses and more.

There are also a number of other awards honouring commitment to animal welfare, including a new series of ‘Hero Categories’ highlighting work tackling specific animal welfare challenges.

RSPCA says they would particularly welcome nominations for veterinary surgeons and nurses which have been collaborating with public bodies to advance animal welfare.

Lee Gingell, RSPCA public affairs manager, said: “It’s really important to highlight the incredible efforts we know so many go to for animals. We can’t wait to see this year’s entries and celebrate local animal welfare champions.
 
“Local veterinary clinics and staff are too often unsung heroes - but do their bit to support public bodies in raising animal welfare standards, for example offering discounted neutering in partnership with their local council or other initiatives. This is a vital part of making sure we see greater standards across the board and making sure our communities are for every kind, so we are really keen to recognise these veterinary heroes this year.”

Nominations are open until 18 July and can be made on the RSPCA’s dedicated PoliticalAnimal website.

Image © RSPCA and Shutterstock



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