A HOUSING association has been recognised by the RSPCA for its good practice in animal welfare.

Fortis Living, the largest social landlord in Worcestershire,  has been awarded a Community Animal Welfare Footprint (CAWF) Gold Footprint Award by the charity.

CAWF covers four areas of service provided by the public sector that has some impact on animal welfare - stray dog services, housing, contingency planning and animal establishments licensing.

Each footprint has three levels – bronze, silver and gold – which carry progressively more demanding criteria.

The CAWF awards evening will be held at RICS, Parliament Square in London on Tuesday, November 28.

Fortis Living based at Progress House, Midland Road – which provides more than 15,000 homes throughout Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire and Gloucestershire – works in partnership with its residents to ensure responsible pet ownership.

As well as a policy and guides on pet ownership, it offers help and guidance on neutering and micro-chipping, and also employs a pragmatic and fair decision making process regarding prohibited dogs. Crucially, it works alongside other agencies such as local RSPCAs and The Dogs Trust.

Clare Greensall, tenancy services manager at Fortis Living, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised by the RSPCA in this way.

"We have entered the CAWF awards for a number of years to gain external recognition regarding our approach to pet ownership with our residents.

“The award is testimony to our hard work and commitment encouraging responsible pet ownership. Well done to all those involved.”