A NORTH Yorkshire authority has received a top award for its efforts in dealing with stray dogs.

For the second year in a row Ryedale District Council has earned an RSPCA Gold Footprint for its standards of animal welfare

Around 100 stray dogs a year are looked after by animal welfare officer Brian Dunn – supported by the RSPCA, along with local dog rescue and breed rescue groups.

Strays picked up in the area are taken into kennels and given medical care if needed and in the majority of cases are reunited with their owners or given new homes by the rescue groups.

The RSPCA Gold Footprint recognises that Ryedale District Council has put clear procedures in place to deal with stray dogs.

This includes the treatment and welfare of dogs whilst in the council’s care, along with re-homing policies and proactive action to reduce stray dog numbers.

Mr Dunn said “ Allowing your dog to roam puts it at risk of injury or causing injury to other animals or people as well as causing a nuisance by fouling whilst unaccompanied.

“We routinely deal with dogs straying in public areas and will pick up any unaccompanied dog to minimise the problems they can cause.”