Extraordinary animals honoured at awards
Image: Haatchi and owner Owen Howkins at Crufts
The first-ever British Animal Honours aired on ITV on 18 April, celebrating the country's most outstanding animals, and the people and charities that work with them.
Hosted by Paul O'Grady, the programme saw the heroic, the funny and the cute from the animal world gathered together in front of a live audience.
The awards covered animals in military service, assistance animals and outstanding charity work. Nominees were largely suggested by the public, and the winners chosen by a jury of 30 animal experts, charities and celebrities.
The Braveheart Honour, which was presented by Harry Potter star Rupert Grint, was awarded to Anatolian shepherd Haatchi. After being rescued, Haatchi transformed the life of his young owner, who suffers from Schwartz-Jampel Syndrome, meaning his muscles are permanently tensed.
The Canine Commando Honour was awarded to Brin, the stray who survived capture by the Taliban and detected a bomb in Afghanistan, saving the lives of two British army officials.
Charities to be honoured included the International Otter Survival Fund, recognised for its conservation efforts, and the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS), who won Local Charity of the Year.
Virginia McKenna OBE, of the Born Free Foundation, was recognised with the Outstanding Contribution Honour, for her tireless work on the part of wildlife since founding the charity in 1984.
As well as honouring a range of other extraordinary animals and people, the ceremony included a performance from the National Theatre's War Horse, a dancing dog troupe led by Kennel Club trainer Gina Pink and a showcase from the South Wales Police Dog section.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
