Fisheries and Aquaculture
October 7, 2015
Celebrating Acts of Kindness and Bravery
Provincial Government Announces New Animal Hero Award
The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, announced in Corner Brook today a new Animal Hero Award which will recognize acts of kindness in society towards animals or acts of bravery by animals towards people. The award was created by the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency in partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Veterinary Medical Association and SPCA Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Our government has made the safety and wellbeing of animals a priority and the new Animal Health and Protection Act and associated regulations, adopted in 2012, has led to increased and more effective enforcement, and a greater focus on animal welfare. This new award helps highlight and recognize exceptional and positive interactions between people and animals.”
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency
A public call for nominations for the 2016 Animal Hero Award, for events occurring in the 2015 calendar year, is expected to be issued in January 2016, with an award presentation to be made in the spring. Details about the nomination process will be announced at that time. Nominations received will be reviewed by a committee with representatives from the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, the Newfoundland and Labrador Veterinary Medical Association, and SPCA Newfoundland and Labrador.
“We are very pleased to be able to participate in this collaborative award and look forward to the first public presentation in 2016.”
- Dr. Margaret Brown-Bury, President, Newfoundland and Labrador Veterinary Medical Association
The physical award depicts two well-known events in Newfoundland and Labrador’s history and folklore. One side commemorates the Newfoundland dog, Hairyman, helping the Harvey family rescue passengers and crew from The Despatch, which wrecked off the southwest coast town of Isle aux Morts in 1828. The other side of the award depicts the rescue of a mare named Kit, which had fallen through ice on Tickle Cove Pond. Neighbours William Over and William White rescued the mare, as described in the folk song, Tickle Cove Pond, written by Mark Walker in the 1870s.
“When humans can empathize and display mercy and kindness to an animal that shares their planet that feeling transcends to their fellow man. That’s why we believe animal welfare initiatives not only improve animal’s lives but society as a whole. Accentuating positive relationships between animals and people through projects like the Animal Hero Award encourages all people to share in that joy. The SPCA Newfoundland and Labrador is proud to be invited to share in this project.”
- Scott Goulding, Chairperson, SPCA Newfoundland and Labrador
The inaugural Animal Hero Awards, awarded for the events depicted on the medal, will be presented to the local heritage or historical societies most closely associated with the events, during ceremonies to be held in their respective communities.
QUICK FACTS
- A new Animal Hero Award was launched today to recognize acts of kindness in society towards animals or acts of bravery by animals towards people. The award was created by the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency in partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Veterinary Medical Association and the SPCA Newfoundland and Labrador.
- The physical award depicts two well-known events in Newfoundland and Labrador’s history and folklore. One side commemorates the rescue of passengers and crew from The Despatch, in 1828. The other side of the award depicts the rescue of a mare named Kit, as described in the folk song, Tickle Cove Pond, written by Mark Walker in the 1870s.
- The inaugural Animal Hero Awards, awarded for the events depicted on the medal, will be presented to the local heritage or historical societies most closely associated with the events, during ceremonies to be held in their respective communities.
- A public call for nominations for the 2016 Animal Hero Award, for events occurring in 2015 calendar year, is expected to be issued in January of 2016.
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Media contacts:
| Connie Boland Communications Manager Forestry and Agrifoods Agency 709-637-2923, 640-6409 connieboland@gov.nl.ca |
Scott Goulding Chairperson SPCA – Newfoundland and Labrador 709-433-2524 spcanlboard@gmail.com |
| Dr. Margaret Brown-Bury President Newfoundland and Labrador Veterinary Medical Association nalvmacouncil@gmail.com |
2015 10 07 9:45 a.m.