To help us achieve our mission we need everyday people to become heroes of animal welfare. You can become a hero by joining our campaigns, volunteering at your local animal centre or simply becoming a member.

We believe in rewarding our most active heroes, which is why we hold our annual awards - The RSPCA Honours.

What are the RSPCA Honour awards?

The RSPCA Honours recognise extraordinary people who have transformed the lives of many animals.

Awards for gallantry are made to those heroes who have taken personal risks to rescue animals. Our humanitarian awards recognise outstanding and exceptional contributions towards animal welfare. And finally, the inspectorate awards recognise outstanding service on the part of individuals in our uniformed force.

RSPCA Honours 2012 - the winners

On Saturday, 8 September 2012, with the help of Bill Oddie, we were delighted to be able to reward some exceptional people for there efforts towards animal welfare. Here are just a few of them.

In recognition of an act of bravery

We awarded wildlife photographer Robert Fuller his bravery and for the vital help he gave to us in prosecuting one of the most significant cases of badger baiting in decades. Whilst out walking Robert spotted eight men with guns and 13 dogs. The men were cheering and laughing after setting their dogs on to a badger. Despite being spotted, Robert captured the moment in photographs. Thanks to his bravery all of the men were successfully prosecuted.

Outstanding contributions by Doris Day

Doris Day set up her own animal shelter, the Doris Day Pet Foundation in the late 1970s. As word got round, the actress found she had more and more animals left with her. Every new placement she arranged was a great accomplishment but it became overwhelming. It got her thinking and she decided she wanted to make a difference at the heart of the problem of pet overpopulation.

To do this, she set up Doris Day Animal League which later merged into the US Humane Society. The Doris Day Animal League would deal with the big legislative issues directly with the president and congress. Doris was on the phone, dictating letters and speaking to everyone who would listen. Recognising the power of the voter with elected officials, the Doris Day Animal League became one of the most powerful forces on Capitol Hill for the sake of animals.

In recognition of her outstanding contribution in the field of animal welfare we awarded Doris the Richard Martin Gold Award.

View a full list of the winners of the RSPCA Honours 2012 (PDF 49.2 KB)

Do you know someone who deserves to be an award winner?

If you know someone who has helped promote kindness to animals, prevented neglect or cruelty, or gone out of there way to make a difference to an animals life why not nominate them to be a winner in our 2012 RSPCA Honour awards?
 

Only RSPCA members are eligible to nominate, so why not join us. Member benefits include a quarterly magazine packet full of our latest news, a special edition pin-badge and more. As a member you will also be able to vote for national council members, giving you a say in how we carry out our work.

Become an RSPCA member today so you can nominate someone extraordinary tomorrow.