Hunt is on for an animal hero

Now in its second year, the Animal Hero Awards is a joint partnership between the RSPCA and the Mirror newspaper. It aims to recognise and celebrate the most inspiring examples of bravery, dedication and resilience in the animal world.

The RSPCA wants to hear your heart-warming and inspiring stories, so if you know someone or an animal that deserves to be recognised then nominate them for an Animal Hero Award!

The two special RSPCA awards are:

Hero Animal of the Year

For an animal that has shown outstanding courage in a time of crisis.

Last year’s Hero Animal of the Year was Ellie the greyhound- a ten-year-old former racing dog from the West Midlands who spent years living in a concrete kennel with little food or bedding. She now spends weekends fundraising for Greyhound Rescue West of England; helping foster dogs adjust to their lives post-rescue; and can even sense when an older dog is at the end of his or her life – and she will cuddle the dog during his or her final hours.

RSPCA Superstar for the Year

An award for an RSPCA employee or volunteer that has made an outstanding contribution in 2014.

Last year our inspectors, staff and volunteers:

• Investigated 153,770 complaints of alleged cruelty

• Carried out 181,678 treatments for sick and injured animals

• Rehomed more than 11,000 dogs and nearly 30,800 cats

• Cared for 14,891 wild animals at our wildlife centres

Nominations need to be made no later than Friday 17th October to be considered for the 2014 awards.

If you know a person or an animal that deserves to be recognised then nominate them for an Animal Hero Award by visiting:: http://www.animalheroawards.co.uk/nominate.html

All winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony, hosted by animal lover Amanda Holden, at the Grosvenor House Hotel, on Wednesday 26th November 2014.