Animal lovers have helped create a document which hopes to improve welfare standards for our furry friends.

Enfield Council launched their Animal Welfare Charter, a movement which encourages community groups, clubs and businesses to support our pets.

Christine Hamilton, the Mayor of Enfield, was one of three councillors who awarded certificates to those who helped the charter become a reality.

Cabinet member of environment, councillor Daniel Anderson, and cabinet member for community, arts and culture, councillor Yasemin Brett, also attended.

Cllr Brett, said: “Enfield Council believes all animals should live in a suitable environment, with dignity and be looked after suitably.

“We are, of course, opposed to cruelty and mistreatment of animals.

“Enforcement action will be taken against owners who fail in their responsibilities towards animals in their care.

“This is all contained in the charter.

“We are also fully behind World Animal Day, which aims to improve welfare standards around the globe.

“If you care about animals, take a look at what events are going on near you to mark this special day.

“It was an honour to meet these wonderful volunteers who do so much for their communities and for animals.

“Their input has been invaluable.”

In addition to the charter, Enfield Council is encouraging school children to visit parks and open spaces to learn about wildlife and their natural habitats.

Animal protection is part of the council’s ‘fairness for all’ priority.

To view the Animal Welfare Charter go to www.enfield.gov.uk.

Berliner Heinrich Zimmerman conceived the first World Animal Day in 1925.

His proposal to make October 4 World Animal Day was accepted at a congress of the world’s animal protection organisations in Florence, Italy, in 1931.

The date was chosen because it marks the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi who is the patron saint of animals.

Visit www.worldanimalday.org.uk for more information about World Animal Day.

Incidents of animal cruelty should be reported to the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals (RSPCA) by logging on to www.respca.org.uk/home or telephoning 020 8366 3313.