MONMOUTHSHIRE County Council gave been honoured with a platinum award by the RSPCA for its exceptional animal welfare standards.

The council received the award at the animal welfare charity’s PawPrints Awards. These awards recognise the local authorities across Wales which go above and beyond to improve animal welfare.

The awards are part of the RSPCA’S PawPrints scheme, which acknowledges councils, emergency services, vets, and other public-sector organisations that go above and beyond legal standards for animal welfare.

Platinum awards are reserved for those who have achieved gold-level standards for five or more consecutive years.

The PawPrints scheme is endorsed by several organisations, including the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, the Chartered Institute of Enviornmental Health and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare.

Cllr Angela Sandles, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, said: “This award is a real testament to the continued dedication and hard work of our animal welfare teams across Monmouthshire.

“I’m incredibly proud that the council has received the RSPCA Platinum award. It recognises high standards being delivered day in, day out, and while this is a moment to celebrate, we must not be complacent.

“We remain committed to maintaining and building on these standards in the years ahead.”