London, Aug 11 (IANS): Indian-origin councillor Varinder Singh Bola has been appointed the animal welfare ambassador of the Redbridge London Borough council, a media report said.

He will help the local authority with disseminating its animal welfare policy to all the stakeholders.

Bola will receive training from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) to become an expert on animal-related welfare issues, the Ilford Recorder reported on Tuesday.

"I will be looking into the animal welfare policy and give residents any animal related guidance and advice that is needed," Bola was quoted as saying.

The Redbridge council has established a "Gold Footprint" award to improve animal welfare and tackle the issue of stray dogs.

Failing to provide for the needs of any animal or causing an animal unnecessary suffering is an offence.

"Anyone found guilty of this offence may be banned from owning animals, face a large fine or imprisonment," Bola said.