Animal award given to housing association

A HOUSING association which has developments in Winnersh, Wargrave and Twyford is celebrating after receiving a coveted animal welfare accreditation for the seventh time.

Hanover Housing Association, which manages Westfield in Winnersh, Treachers Court in Twyford, and Hanover Gardens in Wargrave, looks to preserve the bond between residents and their pets, recognising the benefits pets can bring to the health and wellbeing of owners and fellow residents alike.

On Friday, October 20, Hanover Housing was awarded the RSPCA Community Animal Welfare Footprint (CAWF) for the seventh year in a row, the only national housing association to receive the award.

The award celebrates, promotes and rewards the work of housing providers and other bodies in a number of areas that have an impact on improving animal welfare.

Nick Sedgwick, Director of Service Development for Hanover said: “Hanover is proud of the fact that around half of our estates have pets and over 1,200 of our residents are pet owners.

“We are committed to ensuring that wherever possible pets are welcome across each estate.

Nobody wants to break up a relationship with someone’s beloved pet, which is why we aim to take positive steps to encourage and ensure responsible pet ownership in all our properties.”

Rachel Williams, Senior Parliamentary Advisor, RSPCA:

“It’s a fantastic achievement for Hanover to have retained their award for a seventh year in a row.

“The benefits of responsible pet ownership to older people are well known and recognised, so Hanover’s commitment to allowing their residents to keep pets is really important and something we’re thrilled to be able to recognise with a CAWF award yet again.”