(PRWEB UK) 20 August 2012

The IFAW awards are an opportunity to honour the fantastic dedication, commitment and inspiration of Britain’s animal lovers as well as animals who are champions in their own right. Nominees for all the awards represent those who devote their lives to rescuing domestic and wild animals. This year’s Animal Action Awards ceremony will take place on the 23rd of October. It will be hosted by Baroness Gale and the awards will be presented by Queen legend Brian May. Animal Friends Insurance have launched a Facebook application to enable people to vote for the winner of the IFAW Animal of the Year award.

The shortlist includes: Jack, a three-legged sheepdog who lost his leg after a serious accident on a farm and has been nursed back to health by an 11-year-old boy.

Fern, a rescue dog who was rehomed and who now works as a drown victim search dog. Fern has been trained to find bodies under water from a boat using her sense of smell, which provides a vital service for families with missing people.

Haatchi, who was tied to a railway line and hit by a train, had to endure the amputation of his left rear leg and tail before being adopted. Haatchi has given a new lease of life to his new family's disabled son and is hoping to train to become a therapy dog.

Chris Newnham, Marketing Manager at Animal Friends Insurance, said: "We are honoured to be able to support this awards ceremony and in particular the Animal of the Year Award. There are so many truly brave animals, shortlisting them has been an arduous task but one that we have had the pleasure of doing. We are positive the UK public will vote for the animal that is most deserving of this prestigious award."

The public can vote by using the Animal Friends IFAW Voting App on Facebook

Notes to Editors
About Animal Friends Insurance
Animal Friends Insurance is a leading UK specialist pet insurance provider giving cover for dogs, cats and horses. Founded in 1999 Animal Friends has seen exceptional growth in recent years Pet Insurer. Datamonitor in 2011 placed Animal Friends as one of the UK’s top 10 pet insurers. Since launching, Animal Friends has stayed true to their aims by providing pet insurance to raise awareness and much needed funds to support animal welfare all over the world. Animal Friends is the trading name of Animal Friends Insurance Services Limited, company number 3630812, registered office Animal Friends House, Sunrise Way, Solstice Park, Wiltshire, SP4 7QA. Animal Friends is regulated by the Financial Services Authority, FSA Registration Number: 307858 http://www.animalfriends.org.uk/

About IFAW
Founded in 1969, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) saves individual animals, animal populations and habitats all over the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW provides hands-on assistance to animals in need, or rescuing animals in the wake of disasters. They also advocate saving populations from cruelty and depletion, such as their campaign to end commercial whaling and seal hunts. IFAW's more than 1.5 million supporters work to protect whales, elephants, great apes, big cats, dogs, cats, seals, and other animals. http://www.ifaw.org/united-kingdom/

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