VALE Royal Borough Council has received an award from the RSPCA for its work with stray dogs.

The council achieved a Silver Footprint for Stray Dogs in the charity’s new award scheme for local authorities that have gone above and beyond the call of duty in protecting animal welfare.

Councillor John Turnbull, Lead Councillor for Community Safeguards, said: “We are dealing with more than 250 stray dogs every year and we are very proud of the fact that most of these dogs are successfully reunited with their owners. However, a healthy dog is never put down and we work hard to place the ones who are not claimed in new, happy homes.

“We do everything we can to help people understand what it means to be a responsible dog owner and to make sure any stray animals are suitably re-homed. Recognition from the RSPCA means that Vale Royal’s dog owners can be confident that our scheme really is one of the best in the country.”

Piers Claughton, the RSPCA’s Senior Local Government Advisor, said: “The aim of the Community Animal Welfare Footprints is to recognise and celebrate those that have made an extra effort and gone beyond their basic service requirements.”

The Council offers financial assistance towards the cost of microchipping pets in addition to subsidised neutering for dogs and cats. To find out if you qualify for assistance phone 01606 867866.

To report a missing dog or to check the Council’s missing dogs online photo gallery, visit www.valeroyal.gov.uk/straydogs or phone the dog warden service on 01606 867846 or 867848.