ASPCA Seeks Nominations for Dog, Cat and Kid of the Year

NEW YORK—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today announced that it is accepting nominations for the 2012 Humane Awards and invites the public to contribute submissions. The ASPCA Humane Awards honor animal heroes as well as individuals who have made a significant impact on the lives of animals during the year. The ASPCA is accepting nominations via its website at www.aspca.org/HAL.

“The ASPCA Humane Awards celebrate both two-legged and four-legged individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to the cause of improving the lives of animals,” said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres.  “This event recognizes and extends our gratitude to those who strive to make this world a better place for animals, who depend on us to be their advocates.”

Last year’s winners include a ‘surf-ice’ dog who raised more than $125,000 for human and animal causes while riding the waves; a mother cat who survived being set on fire and went on to inspire positive change in anti-cruelty laws; a six-year-old boy who raised more than $28,000 to help build an animal shelter in his community; a police officer who made nearly 70 felony dog fighting arrests; and a former lawyer who has devoted her life to advocating for change in her city to better protect animals. Subaru of America, Inc., which has helped find homes for thousands of animals through adoption events at local dealerships across the country, and Green Chimneys, a specialized treatment facility which betters the lives of troubled youth through interaction with animals, were also honored.

ASPCA Humane Awards winners will be invited to attend the ASPCA Humane Awards Luncheon—sponsored by the Hartville Group Inc., provider of ASPCA Pet Health Insurance—on Thursday, November 8, 2012, 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 improved the lives of animals; and

• 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, or has demonstrated a commitment to animal welfare throughout his or her career.

All submissions must include 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 animal deserves the award.

The deadline for entries is Friday, June 8, at 12 p.m. (EST). Winners will be chosen by a committee selected by the ASPCA and announced to the public in mid-October. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org/HAL.