The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is inviting the public to nominate extraordinary pets and people for its 2009 Humane Awards.

If you know a fabulous feline or precocious pooch with a knack for saving lives, or a heroic human being who has improved the lives of animals, the ASPCA wants to hear from you. Nominations are being accepted from April 1 until July l5 at www.aspca.org/nominate.

Last year's winners included a law enforcement officer who works tirelessly to prosecute animal abusers; a guide cat to a blind pooch; a black Labrador mix who helped a 10-year-old boy battling cerebral palsy through his road to recovery; a 12-year-old girl who launched a web site to help provide food to dogs and cats at shelters across the country; and a firefighter who saved an injured bear cub from a wildfire.

"The ASPCA Humane Awards is our way of recognizing those who have gone above and beyond for animal welfare and animal heroes who have dedicated their lives to help others," said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. "It's a wonderful way to acknowledge the important role companion animals play in our lives."

Those who may be considered for this distinguished honor include humans who have worked on behalf of animal welfare and animals who have engaged in acts of heroism in the United States during the past year. Winners will be invited to attend the Humane Awards Luncheon on Thursday, October 29, at the newly-renovated Pierre Hotel in New York City, where the awards will be presented.

Categories open for nomination include:

• ASPCA Dog of the Year: for a dog who has performed a heroic act in the past year

• ASPCA Cat of the Year: for a cat who has performed a heroic act in the past year

• ASPCA "Tommy P. Monahan" Kid of the Year: for a child under 14 who has helped make the world a kinder place for animals

• ASPCA Public Service Award: for a member of the municipal police force, a firefighter, or other public service officer who has made a heroic effort to save an animal in the past year

• Other Nominations: any other nomination that does not fit into any of the above categories.

The ASPCA is accepting nominations via its Website at www.aspca.org/nominate. All submissions must include the following: the nominee's name, street address, email address; telephone number; the category for which he/she is being nominated; and a short statement (400 words or less) of why this person or pet deserves the award.

The deadline for entries is Wednesday, July 15, at 12 PM (EST). Winners will be chosen by a committee selected by the ASPCA and announced to the public in mid-October. For more information, visit www.aspca.org/nominate.

About the ASPCA

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) was the first humane organization established in the Americas, and today has more than one million supporters throughout North America. A 501 [c] [3] not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA's mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA provides local and national leadership in animal-assisted therapy, animal behavior, animal poison control, anti-cruelty, humane education, legislative services, and shelter outreach. The New York City headquarters houses a full-service, accredited, animal hospital, adoption center, and mobile clinic outreach program. The Humane Law Enforcement department enforces New York's animal cruelty laws and is featured on the reality television series "Animal Precinct" on Animal Planet.

For more information, visit www.aspca.org.