Riverside wins award for animal welfare

Published by Roisin Rowley-Smith for Riverside in Housing and also in Communities, Education, Environment, Health

Social landlord Riverside has picked up an RSPCA award for its policy on pet ownership.

The Community Animal Welfare Footprints Bronze award recognises Riverside’s positive, clear policy, which encourages tenants to be responsible pet owners.  Riverside’s policy was one of 130 entries from 99 organisations that entered awards.

Divisional Director, Steve Ward developed the policy after speaking to tenants and welfare organisations.  He said:  “Owning a pet can have really positive benefits for people, but we have to make sure that animals are properly looked after and don’t cause a nuisance to neighbours.”

Part of Riverside’s work to encourage responsible pet ownership includes support with micro-chipping and advice about cleaning up after pets. 

Janet McGinley, Riverside’s service improvement manager, added:  “Our tenants tell us that dog fouling is a major concern to them.  Alongside cleaning up our neighbourhoods, we are also raising awareness of the importance of not leaving dog mess in the streets in the first place.  And we are encouraging pet neutering in line with RSPCA policy to reduce the number of unwanted and abandoned pets.”

Steve and Janet joined other social housing providers to collect the Bronze award at an event at the House of Lords.