Bury St Edmunds wins silver at Dog Friendly Awards 2023

Bury St Edmunds was named runner up in the Most Dog Friendly Town/City category at the DogFriendly Awards 2023 ceremony in London on Wednesday, November 29.

The town was beaten to the top spot by Girvan, in Scotland, which won Gold with Eastbourne taking bronze. 

The awards, which are run by Dog Friendly Magazine and are in their 11th year, recognise businesses that go the extra mile to accommodate four-legged friends and the winner of each category is chosen by public vote. 

Bury St Edmunds won silver in the Dog Friendly Awards 2023 (Image: Our Bury St Edmunds BID/Phil Morley)

Bury St Edmunds has its own dog friendly scheme which was launched five years ago after a collaboration with the town council, Camp Tails Doggy Daycare, Our Bury St Edmunds BID and By St Edmunds and Beyond.

It sees the #dogfriendlybse paw print logo sticker displayed in the windows of more than 100 businesses that welcome canine companions. 

Mark Cordell, chief executive of Our Bury St Edmunds BID, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for this prestigious national award which is recognition of the great progress the town has made in being a recognised dog friendly destination since we launched the scheme with the town council five years ago.

"We are grateful for the support we have received from over 100 BID businesses who now warmly welcome dogs and their owners into their premises.

Mark Cordell (Image: Newsquest)

"I believe that being a dog friendly destination encourages more dog owners to come into our town centre, stay longer and visit more businesses, than they would if they had to leave their dog at home.

"I would like to recognise the work of Jon Kay from Camp Tails for his contribution to making the scheme such a success." 

The awards ceremony was held at the Kennel Club’s headquarters in London.