ASPCA Seeks Nominations for Heroic Pets and Animal Advocates

NEW YORK—The ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is inviting the public to nominate extraordinary pets and people for its annual Humane Awards.

If you know a fearless feline or courageous canine with a knack for saving lives, or a heroic person who has improved the lives of animals, the ASPCA wants to hear from you. The ASPCA will begin accepting nominations via its Web site on January 12 at www.aspca.org/nominate .

Last year’s winners included a piano-playing shelter cat; a Labrador retriever who served as an assistance dog to an injured veteran; an 11-year-old girl who launched a Web site to purchase pet masks for fire departments; firefighters who rescued a pooch that fell into a frozen lake; and officials of the Humane Society of Missouri and undercover agents who worked tirelessly in the largest dog fighting raid in U.S. history.

“The ASPCA Humane Awards is our way of honoring those who have gone beyond the call of duty for animal welfare and celebrating the important role animals play in our lives,” said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres.

Those who may be considered for this distinguished honor include people who have worked on behalf of animal welfare and animals who have engaged in acts of heroism in the United States during the past year. Winners will be invited to attend the Humane Awards Luncheon, sponsored by the Hartville Group, on Thursday, November 11, at the Pierre Hotel in New York City, where the awards will be presented.

Categories open for nomination include:

• ASPCA Dog of the Year : for a dog who has performed a heroic act in the past year;
• ASPCA Cat of the Year : for a cat who has performed a heroic act in the past year;
• ASPCA “Tommy P. Monahan” Kid of the Year : for a child under 14 who has helped make the world a better place for animals;
• ASPCA Public Service Award : for a member of the municipal police force, a firefighter, or other public service officer who has made a heroic effort to save an animal in the past year; and
• Other Nominations : any other nomination that does not fit into any of the above categories.

All submissions must include the following: the nominee’s name, street address, email address; telephone number; the category for which he/she is being nominated; and a short statement (400 words or less) of why this person or pet deserves the award.

The deadline for entries is Wednesday, June 30. Winners will be chosen by a committee selected by the ASPCA and announced to the public in October. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org/nominate .