RSPCA and Mirror to honour “top dogs” (& other animals)
Charity launches brand new Animal Hero Awards scheme with national newspaper
The RSPCA is teaming up with The Daily Mirror to launch the first Animal Hero Awards, culminating in a spectacular awards evening in London.
Today (Tuesday 10 September) marks the launch of a nationwide search to find Britain’s bravest Animal Hero, most remarkable Animal Carer and other unsung heroes of the human and animal world.
The awards event will be held on Thursday November 28, and hosted by Amanda Holden. It aims to celebrate the heart-warming tales of courageous pets or those that have overcome difficulties as well as outstanding individuals and businesses who have made a difference to animal welfare.
Judge Amanda Holden said, “I am honoured and excited to be presenting the first ever Animal Hero Awards with the Daily Mirror and RSPCA. Like most people, I'm an animal fanatic. Our pets are the heart and soul of our family home, I can't imagine life without the joy they bring.
“On Britain's Got Talent, I am always most excited when an animal act takes the stage. As our 2012 winner Pudsey the dog showed, there are some remarkable pets out there that mean the world to their owners. That's why the Animal Hero Awards is so important. It's about recognising the incredible differences that so many people's pets make to their lives.
“By nominating an animal hero that you know you can say thank you to them. Whether it's a cat, dog, budgie or anything else I can't wait to hear the amazing stories and celebrate the everyday animal heroes that are around us,” she added.
RSPCA deputy CEO John Grounds continued, “We are delighted to be recognising the achievements of people and animals in helping to stop cruelty to our fellow creatures. The RSPCA was formed in 1824, and throughout that time our staff has been inspired by incredible stories of bravery, courage and compassion between animals and humans.
“Despite the shocking things we see on a day-to-day basis, the RSPCA firmly believes that we are a nation of animal lovers, and now is the perfect time to recognise and celebrate this,” he added.
Nominations for the Animal Hero Awards have now opened, and the charity is urging people to come forward to submit their stories.
The awards range from Hero Animal of the Year for an animal that has shown outstanding courage in a time of crisis; to Service Animal of the Year which will honour an animal that works in extreme conditions to protect and serve.
Other awards include:
Rescue Animal of the Year (sponsored by Support Adoption for Pets)
Young Animal Enthusiast of the Year (sponsored by Pets At Home)
Celebrity Animal Fan of the Year
As well as inspiring individuals, the RSPCA and The Daily Mirror also want to hear from businesses that are committed to improving animal welfare. There will be two awards dedicated to recognising ethical achievements:
The Innovation Award – for any company that has implemented an innovative process or introduced a new product range that has improved animal welfare.
The Responsible Business Award – for any company that has fairly treated animals in all aspects of their business.
Entries are now open, and nomination forms should be completed and by 18 October. Once the nominations have been received they will be shortlisted by our review panel.
Please send nominations either by post at Animal Hero Awards, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AP or go to: www.animalheroawards.co.uk
To help fund the RSPCA’s vital work, please visit www.rspca.org.uk/donate or call the 24hr donation line on 0300 123 8181.
– Ends –
Notes for editors:
The full list of awards is as follows:
Hero Animal of the Year: For an animal that has shown outstanding courage in a time of crisis. The public will vote on the winner of this category following a published list of finalists selected by the judging panel.
Caring Animal of the Year: For an animal that has cared for and shown compassion to an individual and made a difference to their life.
Service Animal of the Year: For an animal that works in extreme conditions to protect and serve.
Rescue Animal of the Year: For an animal that has been abandoned or hurt but has gone on to achieve something extraordinary.
Young Animal Enthusiast of the Year: For a young person or group, under 16, that has built a strong relationship between themselves and animals and/or actively works to improve the welfare of animals.
Celebrity Animal Fan of the Year: For an individual that is a well known animal lover and who uses his/her profile to promote and improve animal welfare.
Animal Enthusiast of the Year: For an individual or group that has built a strong relationship between themselves and animals and/or actively works to improve the welfare of animals.
RSPCA Superstar for the Year: For an employee or volunteer that has made an outstanding contribution in 2013.
Public Sector award For a local authority, school, health board or community project that has made an outstanding contribution to improve animal welfare in their
Lifetime Achievement Award: For an individual that has shown a long standing commitment to improve animal welfare.
The Innovation Award will be for any company that has implemented an innovative process or introduced a new product range that has improved animal welfare. We want them to be rewarded for the new approaches they have taken over the past year.
The Responsible Business Award will be for any company that has fairly treated animals in all aspects of their business. This award will be for a company that has shown through its vision and future plans that it is committed to improving animal welfare, a philosophy that is imbedded in the company’s interactions with their suppliers, staff and customers.
How to nominate:
By post at Animal Hero Awards, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AP or at www.animalheroawards.co.uk
The deadline for nominations is Friday, October 18. For more information call 020 7293 3599.
The winners will be announced at a heart-warming awards ceremony at the The Langham Hotel, London, on Thursday, November 28.
To help fund the RSPCA’s vital work, please visit www.rspca.org.uk/donate or call the 24hr donation line on 0300 123 8181.
RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk
Don't treat animals like rubbish. Thousands of vulnerable animals will be abandoned this summer, many in out of the way places like bins, in skips and on wasteland simply leaving them to die. Will you help us rescue them? www.rspca.org.uk/rubbish
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Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals registered charity no: 219099 Registered office: RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 9RS
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