A miniature horse who brings smiles to the faces of nursing home residents in the South West, 23 fire fighting personnel who were all involved in rescuing animals from house fires, and long-serving Member for Maylands and animal advocate Lisa Baker were among those recognised at RSPCA WA's Animal Welfare Awards today.
The annual awards, held on World Animal Day, celebrate individuals and groups improving the lives of animals across WA. Plus, there is a category just for animals, with a miniature horse, two chickens, and four dogs all recognised this year.
Animal loving venue The Camfield again offered their beer garden for this year's ceremony. Fifty-eight recipients, the youngest two just eight-years-old, received gold, silver and bronze awards handed out in front of friends, family and special guests including Minister for Local Government Hannah Beazley.
RSPCA WA Chair Lynne Bradshaw said the animal welfare organisation was thrilled to announce the 2024 winners and celebrate their achievements.
"Today's ceremony showed just how much love and care there is for animals in WA and how our relationships with them can enrich all our lives," she said.
"At RSPCA WA we see some truly heartbreaking cases but seeing so much animal positivity all in one place today was a fabulous reminder of all the good that happens as well.
"We know that helping animals across our vast State requires a huge collective effort, and today we celebrated winners who dedicate their lives to improved animal welfare."
In addition, Mrs Bradshaw said the four-legged award winners showcased the incredible bond and loyalty that can develop between people and animals.
"When we think of the human-animal bond, it's usually dogs that first come to mind," she said.
"The gorgeous dogs we've awarded are certainly a great demonstration of that bond. But it's fantastic to also have the chance to showcase our horse and chicken winners.
"Their stories prove all sorts of animals have the power to positively impact our lives and mental health.
"I hope the stories of the award winners will encourage all West Australians to treat animals with kindness and respect and to consider their welfare in all aspects of life."
Mrs Bradshaw thanked generous sponsors Tunnel Vision and Quik Impressions for making the Animal Welfare Awards possible.
RSPCA WA Animal Welfare Awards 2024 gold and other top winners:
- Animal Award: Bella the golden retriever, Penny and Maggie the therapy chickens.
- Humane Award: Leah Price, who spent four days searching for someone's dog after the owner was involved in a car accident.
- Youth Award: Hannah Danesfaleh and Layla McLennan are both greyhound advocates.
- Volunteer Award: RSPCA WA's Nigel D'Cruz; a SAFE foster carer Meg Geutjes; Cat Haven's Katy Jaksic.
- Community Action Award: Forget Me Not chairperson Lin Jones, Kanyana Wildlife.
All winner details can be found here.
