ASPCA announces Champion for Animals award recipients

Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) and Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) (Image courtesy of ASPCA).

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has recently named the 6 recipients of its “Champion for Animals Award.” This award honors law enforcement, public officials, and animal welfare professionals who have contributed exceptional work to help fight animal cruelty nationwide.

"This year's ASPCA 'Champion for Animals' Award recipients share a deep commitment to helping and protecting victims of animal cruelty through on-the-ground rescue work and effective state legislation," said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president and CEO, according to an organizational release.¹

"We honor their dedication and accomplishments, and hope these efforts inspire even more acts of compassion to support animals in need," he continued.

Two winners include New York State Lawmakers, Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan), and Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris (D-Queens). The pair is being honored by the ASPCA for their leadership in advancing legislation to shut down the puppy mill pipeline.¹

Together, they introduced the Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill to end the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits within New York pet stores which will be detrimental to cruel, outdated, and deceptive parts of the pet industry within the state.

The final 4 recipients are Robyn Dobernecker, Joe Stafford, Tina Updegrove, and Megan Wiedmann with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa for their role in rescuing over 500 dogs that were living in horrific conditions in a USDA-breeding facility.¹

Robyn Dobernecker, Joe Stafford, Tina Updegrove and Megan Wiedmann with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (Image courtesy of ASPCA).

The 4 were honored at their facility during Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week, with remarks from ASPCA representatives, a special visit from a 4-year-old golden retriever Doree (who was rescued from the facility and adopted to a loving home), and US Representative Cindy Axne.¹ During the remarks, Axne also introduced federal legislation in response to this care to require better protection for puppy mill dogs.

Reference

ASPCA announces 'Champion for Animals' award recipients for lifesaving efforts to help victims of animal cruelty. News release. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. April 14, 2022. Accessed April 19, 2022. https://www.aspca.org/about-us/press-releases/aspca-announces-champion-animals-award-recipients-lifesaving-efforts-help