Sandwell Council is proud to announce that its leader, Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, has been awarded the first ever Massingham Advocacy Award in the RSPCA PawPrints Awards.
The award recognises her exceptional contributions to advocating for animal welfare. This prestigious award, newly introduced this year, commemorates both the RSPCA's 200th anniversary and the centennial of its Public Affairs team, named in honour of Mrs. Gertrude Speedwell Massingham, a pioneering advocate for animal welfare.
The Massingham Advocacy Award celebrates elected officials who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to promoting animal welfare, fostering a world where all animals are treated with respect, kindness, and compassion. Councillor Carmichael was awarded for her leadership in Sandwell Council adopting a pioneering Animal Welfare Charter and her active support of the RSPCA's 2024 Local Government Animal Welfare Manifesto.
Lee Gingell, public affairs manager at the RSPCA, said:
"We are thrilled to recognise Councillor Kerrie Carmichael with the Massingham Advocacy Award in this year's RSPCA PawPrints Awards.
“Her advocacy for animal welfare is truly commendable and reflects the high standards that the PawPrints awards aim to celebrate. By receiving this award, Councillor Carmichael has demonstrated exceptional leadership in promoting policies and initiatives that protect and enhance animal welfare, inspired by the pioneering spirit of Mrs. Massingham."
Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Leader of Sandwell Council, said:
“I am incredibly happy to receive this recognition from the RSPCA, honouring my commitment to championing animal welfare and inspiring positive change.
“I am truly proud that this award reflects not just my commitment but also that of our council and our borough to being at the forefront of animal welfare. “
Earlier this year Sandwell Council launched a new Animal Welfare Charter aimed at safeguarding and protecting wildlife and pets across the borough.
The charter draws inspiration from the RSPCA’s charter and encompasses a range of principles and guidelines designed to protect animals and their rights. It reflects the council’s dedication to fostering a culture of respect, empathy and responsibility for animals across Sandwell.
Key provisions of the Animal Welfare Charter include the five basic welfare needs: the need for a suitable environment, the need for a suitable diet, the need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns, the need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals, and the need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury, and disease.
By implementing these initiatives, Sandwell Council seeks to create a safer, more compassionate environment for animals to thrive.