People, groups or furry friends who have made a positive difference in the animal world are to be recognised

The RSPCA is seeking its next round of West Australian heroes who have demonstrated care by going above and beyond to improve animal welfare. Online nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 RSPCA WA Animal Welfare Awards, with five categories open for heroic humans and furry friends. The animal rescue organisation is searching for individuals or groups who have worked to save animal lives or improve animal welfare across the State, and also for animals which have made a positive difference for their owners or community. Last year, 58 recipients received medals in the awards, including a miniature horse named Taffy who received gold for the Animal Award category, after being nominated for his positive presence visiting 13 nursing homes to offer his comforting and gentle company. Winning the 2024 Humane Award was Leah Price, who had spent four days driving more than 500km to search for her hospitalised friend’s blue heeler dog, which had escaped during a car accident. Other categories open for nominees are the Youth, Community Action and Volunteer awards. RSPCA WA chair Lynne Bradshaw said it was important to recognise the people and groups involved in these positive movements to shine a light on the significance of animal appreciation. “If you know an amazing animal welfare group, a devoted volunteer, or a brave animal rescuer, we want to hear their story,” she said. “These people and groups don’t do it for the recognition, but it’s so important we take the time to acknowledge their efforts . . . The animals themselves would if they could. “Shining a spotlight on this work also inspires others to treat animals with kindness and respect.” People are urged to submit their nominations on the RSPCA’s website before submissions close on September 5.