The ASPCA Seeks Nominations for the 2017 Humane Awards

NEW YORK—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today is now accepting nominations for the 2017 ASPCA Humane Awards and invites the public to contribute submissions. The Humane Awards honors 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/HALnominations.

“The ASPCA Humane Awards celebrates acts of heroism inspired by the unique and loving bond between people and animals,” said ASPCA President & CEO Matt Bershadker. “Honoring and sharing these life-saving efforts helps elevate the level of compassion in our society, thereby strengthening our animal welfare laws, so I encourage everyone who knows inspiring animals and animal protectors to nominate them as potential ASPCA Humane Award honorees.”

Some of last year’s winners include a comfort dog called to service during some of the nation’s most tragic and devastating events, including the Sandy Hook and Orlando nightclub shootings; a rescued pit bull who became one of the first pit bull police dogs in the nation; a nine-year-old girl who devoted her life to help a wide range of vulnerable animals; and a former senator who championed humane legislation, bringing critical attention to important animal welfare issues.

ASPCA Humane Awards winners will be invited to attend the ASPCA Humane Awards Luncheon—sponsored by Hartville Pet Insurance Group^SM, provider of the ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance—on Thursday, November 16, at Cipriani 42^nd Street, New York City, where the awards will be presented by Master of Ceremonies Chuck Scarborough.

Categories open for nomination include:

• ASPCA Dog of the Year: For a dog who has performed a heroic act or service in the past year.

• ASPCA Cat of the Year: For a cat who has performed a heroic act or service in the past year.

• ASPCA “Tommy P. Monahan” Kid of the Year: For a child who has rescued an animal or helps make the world a kinder place for animals.

• ASPCA Public Service Award: For an outstanding animal or a public service officer who has made a heroic effort to save an animal’s life in the past year or has demonstrated a commitment to animal safety throughout his or her career.

• ASPCA Equine Welfare Award: For an outstanding animal or a person who has worked toward the well-being of horses and is committed to improving their quality of life.

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 Wednesday, June 14, 2017. 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.