Council Dog Warden Bags Gold For the Sixth Year

Council dog warden bags gold for the sixth year

Dog warden Laura Yeates has proven she’s leading the way when it comes to reuniting lost dogs with their owners and looking after every stray dog in the council’s care.

The Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council dog warden has been awarded the RSPCA Gold Stray Dog PawPrint Award for the sixth year in a row, acknowledging the quality of the service she and those who work with her provide.

Laura works with the council’s Environmental Health team and Community Safety Patrol Officers dealing with the welfare of stray dogs, providing an out-of-hours service and working to promote responsible dog ownership.

She also works with a number of re-homing charities to find places for unclaimed dogs. The Environmental Health team support the service by dealing with dog welfare issues, noise complaints relating to dog barking and dog fouling complaints.

She said: “My job is hugely rewarding and, while it’s not always easy, I feel so lucky that I am able to make a difference, particularly when it comes to reuniting dogs with their owners. My priority is always that the dogs are happy.

“I am proud my colleagues and I have gained the award again, it is important to us and acknowledges the high standards we set ourselves.”

Dog owners are expected to keep their pets under proper control, are legally required to ensure the animals are microchipped and wear a collar and ID, so they can be reunited if they escape.

Any dog that is dealt with as a stray will incur a release fee, kennelling charge and possibly, an out-of-hours’ fee. Dog owners are also reminded that all dogs over eight weeks old must be microchipped and registered or they risk prosecution and a £500 fine.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement Cllr Hayley Eachus said: “This award is a reflection of the high standards of the council’s animal welfare service.
“Laura and the team provide an outstanding service and thoroughly deserve this accolade.”

For more information, visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/animalresponsibilities