Carolyn Thomas MS has been awarded the inaugural Massingham Advocacy Award by the RSPCA as part of their annual PawPrint awards scheme.

Ms Thomas has been praised for driving positive change in this area.

The birth of the award celebrates both RSPCA's 200th birthday and the centenary of the public affairs team.

Named after Gertrude Speedwell Massingham, the RSPCA's first public affairs staffer and a noted pioneer for women’s rights, the award marked a special honour this year.

Billie-Jade Thomas, RSPCA Cymru’s senior public affairs manager, said: “We are delighted to honour and congratulate Carolyn Thomas MS who has been chosen by our judging panel to receive this special award.

"She has also led efforts to secure more rights for pet-owning renters and consistently supports initiatives that enhance protections for wild animals and improve enforcement powers for the RSPCA. "

He added that Ms Thomas is one of the "strongest voices for animal welfare" in the Senedd.

Ms Thomas said that she's honoured to be recognised for her welfare work.

She said: "This award is a testament to the passion and dedication in Wales.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of animals and their owners along with the support from organisations like the RSPCA pushing for better lives for animals." Their PawPrints scheme celebrated a successful year, with Monmouthshire County Council and Shared Regulatory Services both receiving a platinum award.

Running since 2008, the scheme has stood out as the only one recognising authorities and public bodies for world-class animal welfare services.

This year, it gave out 12 awards in Wales – seven golds, a silver, two bronzes, and two platinums.

Sioned Nikolic, RSPCA Cymru public affairs advisor, said: “As the RSPCA marks its 200th anniversary this year, we are delighted to announce these awards and see so many handed out in Wales.

"We'd very much like to congratulate Monmouthshire County Council and Shared Regulatory Services on their well-deserved platinum awards, and also to the team at Animal Licensing Wales who have been given this year’s special recognition award."