The Member of the Senedd for Aberconwy is one of five Senedd Members to be recognised by the RSPCA.

During the charity's 200th anniversary event held at the Senedd on June 12, Carolyn Thomas MS, Luke Fletcher MS, Jane Dodds MS, Janet Finch-Saunders MS and Vikki Howells MS were nominated for the newly launched Massingham Advocacy Award.

This award, named after Gertrude Speedwell Massingham, the RSPCA’s first public affairs staff member and a pioneer for women in public life, was created to honour those who advocate for animals.

Cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: "Two hundred years is undoubtedly a milestone worth celebrating – and I’d like to both congratulate and thank the RSPCA for their work."

She added: "Partnership working is key to driving this forward and I am grateful to the RSPCA, our Local Authorities, animal welfare networks, vets, farmers and the public for their ongoing passion and support."

Among the nominees is Carolyn Thomas MS, who has championed RSPCA calls for more support for pet owning renters and better protections for animals, and Luke Fletcher MS, who has advocated for an end to greyhound racing in Wales.

 A special event was held at the Senedd   (Image: RSPCA)

Jane Dodds MS, a fellow greyhound lover, along with Janet Finch-Saunders MS, who advocates for animals of all sizes, and Vikki Howells MS, who played a key role in banning the use of snares and glue traps, have also been acknowledged.

RSPCA chief executive, Chris Sherwood, commended the nominated Members of the Senedd for their efforts saying: "We really are very fortunate to have so many Members of the Senedd who go above and beyond for animals."

Hoping to continue positive developments for animal welfare, Mr Sherwood thanked the nominees of The Massingham Advocacy Award and hinted at the challenges of selecting an overall winner, to be announced in August.

The Senedd event was part of the RSPCA's celebrations marking 200 years of the animal charity.

The charity's vision for the future is to "create a better world for every animal".

Now, the charity wants to inspire a movement for animals, and you can join that by visiting www.rspca.org.uk/200.