The Conservative-led council was recognised for its work to improve the way the countryside is managed for dog walkers, by being awarded the KC Dog ‘Local Authority of the Year’ Award.
Hampshire County Council was awarded the KC Dog ‘Local Authority of the Year’ award for providing information for dog walkers to get the most out of their visit.
The Council has held events such as the Big Doggy Do at Manor Farm Country Park, which attracted over 1,500 people with a range of activities to highlight responsible dog walking. Hampshire County Council also helped to organise the Barking Beach Bonanza with KC Dog to highlight the important issue of dogs being banned unnecessarily from beaches as a result of overly restrictive dog control orders.
They also work as an example to other councils by producing attention grabbing leaflets and posters that appeal to young and old alike to pass on information about dog walking sites and best practice in public areas.Launched at Crufts in 2006, the KC Dog group was established to keep dog owners up to date about dog control orders being introduced across the country.
The third annual KC Dog Awards were held on Friday 23rd January to recognise the achievements of local lobbyists, MPs and local authorities in educating the public about good dog ownership, working with the local community and challenging unfair dog control orders and that may now be introduced as a result of the 2005 Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act.
Prospective Winchester MP Steve Brine said: “I am very proud of the work Hampshire County Council has done to accommodate the huge number of dog lovers in the county.” A dog owner himself (Popcorn, Labrador) he added; “Receiving this award underpins our dedication in welcoming dogs and promoting responsible ownership when out and about at any of our sites.”
Kennel Club Chairman, Ronnie Irving, said, “The winners have all done marvellous work in promoting responsible dog ownership in their local community and all deserve a huge vote of thanks. We thank them for their enthusiasm and dedication and offer our appreciation for helping us make a positive difference for dogs and their owners.”
Steve Brine is pictured above with his 5-year old Lab Popcorn at a very cold (if not sunny) Wittering Beach!
The KC Dog award categories were:
Local Authority AwardWinner – Hampshire County Council
Campaigner of the Year Award
Winner – Ottery Dogs
KC Dog Recognition Award
Winner – Paws on the Moors
KC Dog MP Award
Winners – Julian Lewis MP (Con) and Desmond Swayne MP (Con
Special Commendation Award
Winners – Debra Dickenson and Jan Walpole
For more information on dog walking in Hampshire visit: www3.hants.gov.uk/dog-walking