== Pet Hero Awards 2016== Gotham Hall, NYC== October 7, 2016== ©Patrick McMullan== Photo- Owen Hoffmann/OwenHoffmannNetwork== ==
Pet Hero Awards 2016_Gotham Hall_alison eastwood,naomi judd_new york gossip gal_katie cleary
Photo- Owen Hoffmann/Owen Hoffmann Network/PMC

Pet Philanthropy Circle’s Founder Jewel Morris and NBC Commentator and Former Westminster Host David Frei hosted the organization’s 5th Anniversary ‘Pet Hero Awards’ at Gotham Hall honoring Naomi Judd with the Humanitarian of the Year award, Alison Eastwood as Animal Advocate of the Year, and Katie Cleary as Animal Welfare Spokesperson of the Year.

Co-chairing the event were Georgina Bloomberg, Prince Lorenzo Borghese, while Jean Shafiroff served as the Manhattan Committee Chair.

Actress Shannon Elizabeth introduced Katie Cleary, who spoke about how important it is to give animals a voice and how she aims to make her company, World Animal News, the “CNN for animals.”

As Alison Eastwood accepted her award, she spoke about her aim to “create a national foster database through my website fosterpets.org.”

Jewel Morris welcomed country legend Judd who spoke about her work in Kentucky where she campaigned and succeeded in having the law changed from a misdemeanor to felony in cases where police animals are murdered by assailants. She also said that Dr. Robin Ganzert and Lois Pope, were her inspirations. Jewel then told guests how dedicated Naomi was to saving animals as she even goes undercover to picket pet retail stores.

Additional honorees included the American Humane Association which was named Outstanding Animal Welfare Organization. The Petco Foundation was named Foundation of the Year; and Matthew Talbot was named Outstanding Junior of the Year.

By showcasing these outstanding contributions and worthy causes, the Pet Philanthropy Circle (PPC) hopes to inspire everyone to become involved in defending the rights of animals. Pet Hero Awards promote public awareness of animal concerns and the solutions that will save pet lives.

Pictured:

Naomi Judd, Jewel Morris, Alison Eastwood