The RSPCA Community Animal Welfare Footprints (CAWF) 2012 is now open for entries.
The scheme, that is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, was established in 2008 to recognise, promote and celebrate those organisations in the public sector that have made an extra effort and gone beyond basic service requirements to ensure higher welfare standards in some of the services they provide. It continues to be supported by the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) and Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).
About the Footprints
CAWF covers four areas of service provided by the public sector that has some impact on animal welfare. They are:
- stray dog services
- housing
- contingency planning
- animal welfare principles
Each Footprint has three levels - bronze, silver and gold - which carry progressively more demanding criteria. Successful entrants will receive a CAWF gold, silver or bronze logo to use on their organisation's website and letterheads, subject to terms of usage, as well as a certificate.
Innovator Award
As well as the four Footprints there are also the prestigious Innovator Awards. These are split into five categories covering different tiers of local government as well as an award for housing and multi-agency groups. Winners of the Innovator Award receive a trophy, certificate and an CAWF Innovator logo to use on their organisation's website and letterheads, subject to terms of usage. There is no specific criterion for the Innovator Award but there is guidance within the entry booklet of things to consider.
Going from strength-to-strength
The scheme has grown in popularity over the last four years. In 2008 the CAWF scheme received 68 entries from 49 different organisations. In 2011 this had almost doubled with over 130 entries from 99 different organisations taking part. In addition the criteria and good practice models that the scheme has produced, has challenged and encouraged other local authorities and housing providers to improve their animal welfare policies.
How to get involved
If your organisation want to be a part of CAWF 2012 and get your organisation recognised, simply download the entry guidance booklet and relevant footprint application form or email: cawf@rspca.org.uk stating which footprint(s) you are seeking to enter.
Please note: Entries close on Friday 27th July 2012 with successful entries being announced on Wednesday
Entry Forms and Guidance
Please download the guidance booklet and entry form below:
CAWF 2012 Entry Guidance (1.8MB)
Stray Dog Footprint Entry Form (807KB)
Housing Footprint Entry Form (475KB)
Contingency Planning Footprint Entry Form (472 KB)
Animal Welfare Principles Footprint Entry Form (484 KB)
Innovator in Animal Welfare Entry Form (456KB)