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The PawPrints Awards are the only awards scheme of their kind in England and Wales, recognising local authorities and public sector organisations that go above and beyond to improve animal welfare in their communities. The Gold Award recognises the Council's commitment to maintaining high standards of animal welfare through its animal licensing work. 

The Council's Environmental Health Team is responsible for licensing and inspecting a range of animal-related businesses across the district. This includes dog breeders, kennels, catteries, dog day care providers, pet sellers, horse hiring businesses and animal exhibitors. Through regular inspections and regulatory oversight, the team helps ensure animals are cared for in safe and appropriate conditions, in line with national welfare standards. 

Cllr Simon Morgan, Leader of Maldon District Council, said: "This is a fantastic achievement for our Environmental Health Team and one that everyone at the Council should be proud of. 

"The team works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure high standards of animal welfare are maintained across the district, helping to protect animals and support responsible businesses. 

"Receiving a Gold PawPrints Award from the RSPCA is a wonderful recognition of their professionalism, dedication and commitment to doing the very best for animals in our communities. I would like to congratulate the team on this well-deserved success." 

The award highlights the Council's ongoing commitment to supporting responsible animal ownership, ensuring compliance with animal welfare legislation and working with businesses to achieve the best possible outcomes for animals across the district. 

The Council adopted its Animal Welfare Licensing Policy in 2025, providing clear guidance on how animal licensing legislation is implemented locally and helping to ensure licensed establishments continue to meet high welfare standards. 

Notes: 

• The RSPCA PawPrints Awards are the only awards scheme in England and Wales dedicated to recognising excellence in animal welfare work across local authorities and the wider public sector. 
• Maldon District Council's Environmental Health Team is responsible for regulating activities covered by the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, including pet selling, dog breeding, boarding establishments, dog day care, hiring out horses and exhibiting animals.