A police officer has been recognised for his work to bring down animal abusers.
PC Peter Baker, 39, of Northumbria Police, has won a special recognition accolade.
Inspectors and staff from the RSPCA highlighted PC Baker's positive impact on animal welfare across the North East.
PC Baker, who has been an animal lover since being young, said: "We are a nation of animal lovers and I'm no different.
"I strongly believe that people who hurt, neglect or abuse animals should be prosecuted, and it's my role to ensure anybody who does threaten the welfare of animals is brought to justice."
The RSPCA has been working closely with PC Baker and has managed to secure a string of convictions against animal owners who have neglected or abused pets in their care.
Some of the successful recent convictions was dog breeder Lynn Stoker, 63, from Byrness Village, Northumberland.
Stoker left more than 100 animals to suffer in crowded cages with no drinking water - with many found to have ear infections and dental issues.
PC Baker also helped with the conviction of Sunderland-based poacher Arron Crighton, who made videos of his whippet brutally killing wild foxes. The 21-year-old was banned from owning any animals for 10 years.
Northumbria Police Chief Constable Winton Keenan has praised PC Baker.
“PC Baker has shown an incredible commitment to improving animal welfare across Northumbria and he is a deserved winner of this award,” he said.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commisioner, Kim McGuiness, said Northumbria Police is determined to tackle these sort of crimes.
She said: "Northumbria Police will do everything within their power to get those who abuse wildlife and animals before the courts."
Rachel Williams, senior parliamentary advisor at the RSPCA, added: "PC Baker has made a huge difference to animal welfare in Northumbria. "
PC Baker will be presented with his award at the RSPCA'S PawPrintsreception on November 26 in London.
