Winchester City Council's animal welfare team won an award after ensuring the puppies which were found on the South Downs Way last year, were relocated.
The Labrador puppies were found last October, with seven on the footpath near Cheesefoot Head and an eighth near Alresford Golf Club.
They were taken to Three Oaks Boarding Kennels near Bishop's Waltham where they are said to have thrived. The kennels provides the stray dogs service for Winchester City Council.
A city council spokesperson said: “Our animal welfare team have won their tenth RSPCA Gold Paw Print Award this year and they continue to champion the welfare and protection of animals across the Winchester district.
“We can confirm that the puppies were placed with a rescue charity but were asked not to divulge which one. We do not hear from the rescue organisations regarding onward placements of individual animals.
“We don’t know the circumstances which led to the puppies being found without supervision. We were, however, inundated with positive messages from the public regarding their rescue.”
The award, which was won last year, saw Dave Griffiths and Ross Shepherd recognised for going above and beyond for their work protecting, re-homing and returning stray dogs to their owners.
READ MORE: PHOTOS: Puppies enjoying happy life at kennels after they were abandoned
In a joint statement Dave and Ross said: “We are so honoured to have achieved this recognition from the RSPCA Gold PawPrints Awards scheme. The past 18 months have been challenging on the front line of animal welfare, and it is wonderful to have our care and determination awarded.”
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