Partnership approach earns gold award
Local animal businesses and the council's commitment to high animal welfare standards have been recognised with a Gold PawPrints Award from the RSPCA.
The award celebrates the partnership between Colchester City Council and licensed animal businesses across the city, helping to ensure animals receive the highest standards of care while giving residents confidence when choosing services and attractions.
Cllr David King, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities and Public Protection, said: “Moving from Silver in 2025 to Gold in 2026 is a real achievement for Colchester and recognises the work our officers are doing with licensed businesses to maintain high standards of animal welfare.
“Good animal licensing is about much more than issuing a licence. It is about effective regulation, supporting responsible businesses and giving residents confidence that animals are being properly cared for.
“This award recognises this work, and the responsible businesses across Colchester that work with us, to maintain high standards. Alpaca Acres is a great example of that partnership in practice.”
Supporting responsible businesses
The council recently visited Alpaca Acres, one of the many licensed animal establishments in Colchester, to highlight the important role responsible businesses play in maintaining excellent animal welfare standards.
The council recently visited Alpaca Acres, one of the many licensed animal establishments in Colchester, to highlight the important role responsible businesses play in maintaining excellent animal welfare standards.
Dawn Goulding, owner of Alpaca Acres, said: “At Alpaca Acres, the welfare of our animals is at the heart of everything we do. We’re incredibly proud of the care we provide, and it means a great deal to know that our visitors value the wellbeing of our animals just as much as we do.
"Animal welfare is about so much more than ticking boxes. It’s about ensuring animals are healthy, happy and receiving the care, attention and respect they deserve every single day.
"We’re delighted to see Colchester City Council recognised with the Gold PawPrints Award for Animal Licensing. It’s encouraging to see animal welfare being taken seriously in our area and we hope this recognition helps highlight the importance of maintaining high standards of care and putting animal wellbeing first.”
Animal licensing helps ensure businesses that care for, breed, board or exhibit animals meet strict welfare requirements. The Gold PawPrints Award recognises councils that go above and beyond in promoting and delivering high standards.
As part of this work, the council has supported the development and promotion of the Paws on the Doors website, helping people easily find and check licensed animal businesses.
Cllr Paul Dundas, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, said: "Animal welfare is something people in Colchester care deeply about, and we're fortunate to have local businesses that share that commitment.
"It was a real pleasure to visit Alpaca Acres and meet some of the wonderful animals there. Seeing that level of care first-hand was a great reminder of the hard work and dedication that goes on behind the scenes every day.
"This award recognises the work being done across Colchester to make sure animals are safe, healthy and well cared for. It also reflects the positive relationship between the council and responsible animal businesses who are committed to maintaining high standards.
"I'd like to thank everyone involved for helping make Colchester a place where animal welfare is taken seriously and recognised nationally."
Putting animal welfare first
By working closely with licensed businesses and promoting responsible ownership, the council continues to support animal welfare while helping residents make informed choices about animal services and attractions across Colchester.
Pictured above: Colchester Council's Environmental Health and Licensing Technical Officer, Charlotte Williams, and Cllr Paul Dundas.
By working closely with licensed businesses and promoting responsible ownership, the council continues to support animal welfare while helping residents make informed choices about animal services and attractions across Colchester.
Pictured above: Colchester Council's Environmental Health and Licensing Technical Officer, Charlotte Williams, and Cllr Paul Dundas.