Platinum status: Portsmouth Kennels win top-dog award ninth year in a row

It marks the fifth year of winning gold in the Stray Dog Services category, for which the RSPCA awards Platinum status for, and the ninth consecutive year of PawPrint recognitions overall.

This award makes the council one of just 22 councils nationwide to receive coveted platinum status this year.

The RSPCA's assessment highlighted the council's innovative approach to stray dog services and their commitment to going above and beyond basic requirements. This includes its dedicated microchipping service, efficient processes for reuniting lost dogs with owners, and partnerships with rehoming charities.

"This award recognises the real impact our team makes every day," said Lauren Rackham, Head of Community Safety, who herself adopted Frank from the kennels last year.

"Last year alone, our kennels rescued over 80 dogs. Thanks to our amazing staff, we reunited 55 of those with their owners and worked with rehoming charities across the country to ensure the rest could find their new forever home. We also microchipped countless dogs which is a key priority for us as it's one of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of owners losing their dogs forever.

"We're all animal lovers and I think these awards show that. We truly care and just want to continue providing the best possible care for our residents and their dogs."

Beyond serving Portsmouth, the council has established its kennels - which form part of its housing, neighbourhoods and building services - as a regional hub of stray dog care.

Portsmouth is one of the few local authorities in the region to have its own kennelling provision, meaning it can provide essential support to other councils by taking on their stray dogs and sharing expertise and facilities. It's a collaborative approach which is ensuring consistent, high-quality care for stray dogs both in and out of the city.

Cllr Lee Hunt, cabinet member for community safety, leisure and sport, said: "I'm really proud of our kennels for showing yet again an exceptional level of care across all aspects of stray dog care.

"Our teams work day in, day out to provide a service that goes beyond just housing strays - they're committed to reuniting pets with their families, finding loving homes for those who need them, and being proactive in reducing the number of permanently lost dogs each year. It's a thoroughly deserved award."

Helen Gunn, senior animal warden at the kennels, celebrated the achievement with her team at the RSPCA's awards night in London on Friday 8 November.

For more information about Portsmouth City Council's Stray Dog Kennels service, contact the team on [email protected] or 023 9268 8181. Or visit portsmouth.gov.uk/dogkennels