Hackney Council’s animal welfare team have bagged an award from the RSPCA for their work with stray dogs.

The national Community Animal Welfare Footprints scheme recognizes local authorities which have clear procedures in place to ensure animal welfare.

Extra merit is given to councils running education schemes to reduce the number of long term strays, like Hackney’s microchipping scheme, which is run in conjunction with the charity Dogs Trust.

This year the council picked up a silver award, improving on its accolade last year when it received bronze.

Free microchipping sessions take place every Wednesday morning, to book a place call 020 8356 6688.

Every year almost 15,000 stray dogs are reported in London, with just over a third of those reunited with their owners.