THE OREGON CAT PROJECT
2012

Our Champions

The Oregon Cat Salutes

The "Great Meddlers" of 2010

Announcing the recipients of the 2010 Henry Bergh Leadership Award, for unwavering commitment to ending the systematic killing of animals in shelters:

The Honorable Micah Kellner, New York State Assembly Member, who fought to reform New York State shelters in order to save the lives of tens of thousands of animals every year. He also fought to protect the First Amendment rights of shelter volunteers.

Kelly Jedlicki, Shelby County No Kill Mission, who helped create Kentucky’s first No Kill community in Shelby County. In 2010, Jedlicki worked tirelessly to maintain its No Kill status for a second straight year despite significant challenges.

Jane Pierantozzi, Faithful Friends of Delaware, spearheaded the nation’s most progressive shelter reform legislation, the Delaware Companion Animal Protection Act.

Mitch Schneider, Washoe County Regional Animal Services, not only shepherded Washoe County to a 95% rate of lifesaving, tops in the nation despite a significant economic downturn, he worked to export that success to other communities.

Robyn Kippenberger, Royal New Zealand SPCA, is leading a nationwide campaign to make New Zealand the world’s first No Kill nation. She is the first international recipient of the award.

About Henry Bergh: Henry Bergh was a 19th Century animal advocate who launched the humane movement in North America. He gave the first speech on animal protection in the U.S., incorporated the nation’s first SPCA, and enforced anti-cruelty laws with passion. Every night, Bergh would patrol the streets of his native New York City looking for animals in need of protection. Upon his death, the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote of him:

Among the noblest of the land; Though he may count himself the least; That man I honor and revere; Who, without favor, without fear; In the great city dares to stand; The friend of every friendless beast.

To those who opposed Bergh’s attempts at saving the lives of animals, he was known as “The Great Meddler.” The recipients epitomize the unwavering commitment of Bergh to save lives, even in the face of criticism and opposition.