The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) held its annual Humane Awards Luncheon on October 10th, 2024, in New York City, bringing together advocates, celebrities, and philanthropists to honor remarkable individuals and animals who have made extraordinary contributions to animal welfare. Founded in 1866, the ASPCA has long been a leading voice for vulnerable animals, addressing cruelty and providing life-saving support during disasters.
This year’s event could not have come at a more critical time. As communities across the country continue to grapple with the devastating effects of natural disasters—from hurricanes and wildfires to tornadoes—the ASPCA has been on the frontlines, providing urgent relief to displaced animals. The organization’s National Field Response (NFR) team has been pivotal in assisting shelters overwhelmed by displaced pets, as well as coordinating evacuation efforts and search-and-rescue operations in areas ravaged by recent disasters like Hurricane Helene and the wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii.
During his address at the luncheon, ASPCA President Matt Bershadker highlighted the organization’s disaster relief efforts, noting that the ASPCA quickly established a $3 million disaster relief fund to aid animals and shelters impacted by Hurricane Helene. The ASPCA’s ongoing relief work ensures that animals receive the protection, care, and resources they need during times of crisis.
Honorees and Their Impact
The luncheon celebrated inspiring heroes across five categories, all of whom embody the ASPCA’s mission:
- Dog of the Year: Harper – Rescued from a neglect case, Harper, a black lab mix, was trained by the Search Dog Foundation to become a Human Remains Detection canine. Harper has been deployed multiple times, including to disaster sites like Hurricane Ian and the Lahaina wildfires, ensuring that no loved ones are left behind.
- Cat of the Year: Lola-Pearl – Born with a severe leg deformity, Lola-Pearl’s resilience and healing journey turned her into a certified therapy cat. Now a beloved companion, she brings comfort to people in hospitals, care facilities, and schools.
- Equine Welfare Award: Steven Latham – Producer and co-director of The Mustangs: America’s Wild Horses, Steven Latham’s documentary educates audiences about the importance of protecting wild horses on federal lands. His Emmy-winning work has helped raise awareness and inspire action to preserve the lives of these majestic animals.
- Henry Bergh Award: Emmylou Harris – A Grammy-winning artist and long-time animal advocate, Emmylou Harris was honored for her dedication to rescuing shelter dogs through her organization, Bonaparte’s Retreat, which has saved countless dogs in the Nashville area over the last 20 years.
- Presidential Service Award: The NYPD – For over a decade, the NYPD’s Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad, in partnership with the ASPCA, has played a vital role in rescuing more than 5,000 animals from cruelty and abuse, setting a national example for animal protection enforcement.
ASPCA’s Critical Role in Disaster Response
As natural disasters continue to impact the nation, animal shelters and family pets are among the most vulnerable populations. The ASPCA’s National Field Response (NFR) team monitors and responds to these emergencies, deploying to disaster zones to assist with evacuations, search-and-rescue efforts, and emergency sheltering. Working closely with local animal welfare organizations and emergency management services, the ASPCA ensures that displaced and affected animals receive the care they desperately need.
Whether evacuating animals from shelters in danger of a hurricane, providing food to sheltered-in-place pets, or setting up emergency shelters for displaced animals, the ASPCA is committed to being there when disaster strikes. With volunteers and responders working tirelessly across the country, their efforts in disaster response have saved countless lives.
How You Can Help
The Luncheon Emcee, Chuck Scarborough stated an unfortunate truth and welcomed guests to join the ASPCA as a fellow hero, “We understand that for every pet who lives in a safe and loving home, there are thousands more that are suffering and are in unsafe conditions — in constant danger of harm from willful cruelty or neglect — animals whose futures are bleak—and who desperately need a hero. The ASPCA has been that hero since 1866.”
The work of the ASPCA is only possible thanks to the dedication of its volunteers and supporters. Those interested in joining the ASPCA’s disaster relief efforts can learn more about becoming a National Field Response volunteer. Additionally, pet owners are encouraged to prepare for emergencies by downloading the ASPCA’s disaster preparedness checklist, ensuring they are ready to protect their pets during any crisis.
A Heartfelt Call to Action
As the ASPCA continues its mission to protect animals from cruelty and disaster, this year’s Humane Awards Luncheon serves as both a celebration of heroism and a call to action. From the stories of the award recipients to the ongoing efforts to support animals during natural disasters, it’s clear that the work is far from over. Every contribution counts, and as communities across the nation face unprecedented challenges, the ASPCA remains a beacon of hope for animals in need.
For more information about the ASPCA and how to get involved, visit www.ASPCA.org.
