ASPCA Announces Recipients of 2022 Humane Awards

NEW YORK, NY—Every year, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) honors animal and human heroes who have gone above and beyond to make significant strides to improve animal welfare and make a difference in the lives of others.

Exemplifying the ASPCA’s humane mission in their communities and around the world, this year’s 2022 ASPCA Humane Award recipients will be celebrated at the Humane Awards Luncheon, hosted by ASPCA supporter and NBC New York’s Chuck Scarborough, on Oct. 12, 2022, in New York City. 

“Our 2022 ASPCA Humane Award winners demonstrate the impact of combining compassion and commitment to assist animals in need, as well as the power of the human-animal bond,” said Matt Bershadker, president and CEO of the ASPCA. “We’re proud to honor these outstanding and inspiring animals, people, and organizations who share our mission to support vulnerable animals and those who care for them.”

Following a nationwide public call for nominations, an expert ASPCA committee selected winners in six categories, including Kid of the Year, Dog of the Year, Cat Advocate of the Year, the Equine Welfare Award, the Public Service Award, and the Henry Bergh Award, given to an individual or institution exhibiting exceptional leadership, compassion, and commitment to animal welfare.

The Dog of the Year Award was given to Clementine, a three-year-old Catahoula/hound mix. Clementine was dropped off in May 2021 at an animal shelter in southeastern Louisiana, one of many animals relocated by the ASPCA Animal Relocation team to Texas when Hurricane Ida headed for the Louisianan coast that August. During her time at the Tri-City Animal Shelter in Cedar Hill, Texas, Clementine was adopted twice but returned each time due to her challenges adapting to her adopted families’ lifestyles and other pets. 

Around the same time, Capt. Robert Moree of the Cedar Hill Fire Department wrote a letter to his fire chief proposing they adopt a dog to help the firefighters cope with their stressful jobs. In October 2021, Clementine was adopted by Cedar Hill Fire Department’s Fire Station #212 and formed a strong bond with the station’s five-man crew. Living full-time inside Fire Station #212—which now includes a custom-built outdoor play yard—Clementine serves not only as a beloved pet but also as a valuable source of therapeutic support and comfort for firefighters coping with traumatic calls.

Visit www.ASPCA.org/2022HAL.