ASPCA Gives Out Awards for Humane Efforts

by Sherry Morse and David Milner

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals last week during the organization’s 2003 National Humane Awards Luncheon honored "people and animals that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to furthering the human-animal bond."

Medals of honor commemorating Henry Bergh, the founder of The ASPCA, were given to Wyatt Tyler, an 11-year-old who started up a cat and dog rescue group, and Ross Hendry, DVM, who provides vaccinations for animals being cared for by its members.

The ASPCA Founders Award was presented to Susan Marino for turning her home in Fort Salonga, NY into Angel’s Gate, the first residential hospice for animals in the United States.

Members of the Dover, NH fire department received the Chairman’s Emergency Relief Award for rescuing more than 100 animals from a fire at the Cocheco Valley Humane Society.

Among the animals honored were Foxy, a dog that alerted neighbors her elderly owner had fallen and broken her hip on an icy street, and Sean, a police dog recognized for rescuing a rape victim in Elmhurst, NY.

© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.