The Comedy Pet Photo Awards have published the images and videos shortlisted for this year’s ceremony.
This global funny pet photo competition was created by Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam to celebrate the positive and vital role that pets can have in our lives and to encourage and raise awareness about animal welfare in general, by supporting a different grass roots charity each year. Thanks to its partnership with Animals Friends Insurance, this year the competition will be donating £10,000 to Animal Support Angels a very special animal welfare charity that supports pets and pet owners by providing food, shelter, warmth, veterinary support, re-homing and animal welfare care to relieve the suffering of animals.
The 40 shortlisted images and 3 videos were chosen from over 2000 entries submitted to the competition from all across the world and include a very naughty, nosy hen from Ireland, an elongated cow from Fidenza in Italy, a dog called Lucy having fun driving a boat on a lake in Idaho, USA and several hilarious photo-bombing pets, including a cat called Jeff annoying his little brother Jaffa from Wales.
Co-founder of the Comedy Pet Photo Awards, Tom Sullam, said: “It has been a very odd 24 months for most of us, but one heart-warming life affirming, and consistent presence has kept many of us relatively sane and definitely happier than we might have been: our pet (or pets!).
This year’s competition, hugely supported by the brilliant team at Animal Friends, has been a revelation to us and to all the pet lovers in the world. Again, too many great images to choose from, and always seems unfair to have a winner, but we have to… so now…. Dogs, cats, horses and so many other pets that do so much for our well-being, I want to thank you all
Founder-Trustee of Animal Support Angels, Amanda Broome, said: “The amazing donation from the competition has been an absolute lifeline for the charity and means that we can continue to help sick, stray and unwanted animals in need, bringing them into safety and getting them urgent vet assistance.
This funding will allow us to really make a difference. We can continue to help with neutering in the UK and abroad. This is something the charity is very passionate about. We can offer support and provide food and accessories to small charities in need. We can continue to help families on low incomes or those going through a tough time, to care for their pets, supplying food and litter, flea and worm treatments
Every penny received will be used to help animals in need, we won’t let animals suffer and will always help if we can. It’s that simple. So, as well as being an uplifting source of joy and hilarity, this funny pet photo competition has also helped to improve the lives of thousands of animals across the country and beyond.”
In the past year, the charity has made a significant impact on the lives of animals and owners from around the UK and beyond, awarding over £1million of animal food and items related to animal welfare, providing transport to sick or injured animals.
Wes Pearson, CEO of Animals Friends said: “Anyone who has ever owned or shared a home with a pet knows how remarkably lucky we are to have these incredible, quirky, crazy and loving animals in our lives.
This competition brings so much joy to so many animal lovers around the world and shows just how deeply they can touch our hearts-and this year’s finalists have not disappointed. Knowing that this immensely fun competition will also make a serious difference for families with pets in need and animal welfare organisations across the UK through Animal Support Angels makes us immensely proud. Good luck to all the finalists-you’ve given the judges a very hard task!”
The Category and Overall Winners will be declared in November, with the top image winning a £2000 cash prize, a goodie bag and a beautiful bespoke trophy.
The finalists will be judged by a panel comprised of some new (and younger) faces this year, including last year’s competition winner, Elke Vogelsang, Amanda from Animal Support Angels, Dave and Finn, the magic dog act from BGT, and Tia-Dave’s 9-year-old daughter. From Animal Friends, we welcome CEO Wes Pearson and his son Jack (aged 12) and Patricia Gardiner (CMO) and her daughter Megan (aged 9). Once again, this year they will be joined by TV presenter Kate Humble and vet Emma Milne.
For further information and to view all of this year’s finalists, click here.
SEE ALSO: Royals Feature at Long-Awaited James Bond No Time To Die Premiere
