Hounslow Team Recognised for Excellence in Animal Welfare
Council unit wins multiple times at national awards
Animal Welfare Officer Georgia O’Brien was highly commended. Picture: Hounslow Council
October 8, 2025
Hounslow Council’s Animal Welfare Team has received multiple accolades at the RSPCA’s annual Pawprint Awards, including the highest-level platinum accreditation for kennelling standards—making it the only local authority in England to achieve this distinction in 2025.
The Pawprint Awards celebrate public sector organisations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to animal welfare. Hounslow Council was also the sole recipient of the newly introduced Plus Award, a category reserved for organisations already recognised across four or more core areas. For Hounslow, these include Stray Dog Services, Animal Activities Licensing, Housing, and Kennelling.
Animal Welfare Officer Georgia O’Brien was highly commended in the Special Recognition Award category, selected from hundreds of entries nationwide. Despite being just over a year into her role, Georgia has led operations tackling illegal dog breeding, supported vulnerable residents during hospitalisation, and helped promote access to free training resources for pet owners.
According to the Council, the team has faced a 276% year-on-year increase in the number of animals entering its kennels. Despite this surge, staff have continued to deliver high standards of care, including daily walks, sensory stimulation through scent work, and enrichment activities such as mystery boxes filled with treats.
Councillor Pritam Grewal, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Customer Experience and Enforcement, praised the team’s resilience saying, “It’s testament to their dedication and hard work that in spite of this increased demand, they remain committed to delivering world-class animal welfare services.”
The team regularly works with rescue organisations across England to rehome stray and abandoned animals, covering nearly 4,000 miles in the past year. One recent case involved a dog named Mike, found with serious eye injuries in an allotment. After emergency treatment and foster care, Mike was successfully adopted.
After emergency treatment and foster care, Mike was successfully adopted. Picture: Hounslow Council
The Council’s approach combines enforcement with education and support, aiming to improve outcomes for both animals and residents. More information about the Animal Welfare Team’s services is available on the Council’s website.
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