4 October 2023

A therapy ex-police horse allowing people of all abilities to ride, a rescue dog changing lives at Banksia Hill Detention centre and a Northam police officer who braved raging flood waters to rescue a trapped dog 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 two horses, an earless lamb, and nine dogs all recognised this year.

Animal loving venue The Camfield again offered their venue for this year’s ceremony. Thirty-eight recipients, the youngest two just six-years-old, received gold, silver and bronze awards handed out in front of friends, family and special guests including Governor of Western Australia, the Hon Chris Dawson APM.

RSPCA WA Chair Lynne Bradshaw said the animal welfare organisation was thrilled to announce the 2023 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 lamb 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 Tinkerbelle the cat and her supporter 100 St Georges Terrace, and Tunnel Vision for making the Animal Welfare Awards possible.

RSPCA WA Animal Welfare Awards 2023 gold and other top winners:

• Tinkerbelle’s Animal Award: Therapy horse Barney; Prison therapy dog Jimbo. READ MORE.
• Humane Award: Constable John Pomroy, who rescued a trapped dog from rising flood waters. READ MORE.
• Youth Award: READ MORE.
• Volunteer Award: RSPCA WA’s Jennie Appleford who is a jack of all trades; Cygnet heroes, Sue and Paul McGann; RSPCA WA’s ‘living history book’, Colleen Ryan READ MORE.
• Community Action Award: Perth Street Vets; Animal Rescue Cooperative. READ MORE.
• Corporate Champion Award: READ MORE.