REUNITING lost dogs with owners, finding places for strays and looking after every dog in the care of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is all in a day’s work for Laura Yeates, who has bagged a gold award for the fifth year.

The borough council's dog warden has been awarded the RSPCA Gold Stray Dog PawPrint Award, acknowledging the quality of the service provided by Laura and those who work with her.

Laura works with the borough council’s environmental health team and community safety patrol officers dealing with the welfare of stray dogs, providing an out-of-hours service and working to promote responsible dog ownership.

She also works with a number of re-homing charities to find places for unclaimed dogs.

Laura said: “I’m so pleased to have received this award once again.

"My job is hugely rewarding. Although it’s not always easy I feel very lucky that I am able to make a real difference, particularly when it comes to reuniting dogs with owners and ensuring that dogs are safe and happy."

Dog owners are expected to keep their pets under proper control, are legally required to ensure the animals are microchipped and wear a collar and ID, so they can be reunited if they escape.

Any dog that is dealt with as a stray will incur a release fee, kennelling charge and possibly, an out-of-hours’ fee.

Dog owners are also reminded that all dogs over eight weeks old must be microchipped and registered or they risk prosecution and a £500 fine.

Cabinet member for environment and enforcement at the borough council, Cllr Hayley Eachus added: “Laura and the team provide an outstanding service and thoroughly deserve this accolade.

“The award is a reflection of the high standards of the council’s animal welfare service.”

Laura will celebrate her win in November at a PawPrints Winners Reception in London

For more information about the work Laura and her team do visit basingstoke.gov.uk/animalresponsibilities.