Nominate a 'Kind Kid' in American Humane's Be Kind to Animals(R) Kid Contest

Contest Highlights Be Kind to Animals Week(R), May 2-8, 2010

DENVER, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Humane Association is already preparing to celebrate Be Kind to Animals Week^®, which will take place May 2-8, 2010. A highlight of the event is American Humane's Be Kind to Animals™ Kid Contest, which recognizes humane leaders of tomorrow by honoring kids who make a difference for animals today.

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The Be Kind to Animals initiative began in 1915 to recognize and promote compassion, empathy and the bond between people and animals. The event is the oldest animal-related event in the nation that fosters humane principles by encouraging adults and children to maintain compassionate attitudes toward animals.

American Humane is seeking nominations of kids, ages 6 to 17, who are working hard in their communities to improve the welfare of animals. The 2010 winners will be announced during Be Kind to Animals Week^®, May 2-8, 2010.

During the first week of May and always, American Humane urges people to be kind to animals. Suggested activities include:  

• Volunteer at a local animal shelter or support a shelter financially.
• Get informed about policies and legislation that can impact the animals in your community and throughout the country.
• Register to receive legislative Action Alerts from American Humane at www.americanhumane.org -- and speak out for animals with just the click of a mouse.

Anyone nominating a young person for the Be Kind to Animals™ Kid Contest must be 18 or older and the child's legal guardian or have written permission from the child's guardian. No purchase is necessary. Contest rules and nomination forms can be found at www.americanhumane.org/bkaw. Nominations must either be submitted online or mailed and received between Feb. 1 and April 15, 2010. Nominees must be between the ages of 6 and 17 at the time of nomination and will be divided into two age groups: 6 to 12 and 13 to 17. One Grand Prize winner and one runner-up will be selected from each group. Grand Prize winners will each receive $1,000. All winners and runners-up will be featured in American Humane press materials and on American Humane's website. Winners will be announced during Be Kind to Animals Week^®, May 2-8, 2010. For more ideas about celebrating Be Kind to Animals Week^® and for the complete contest rules, visit www.americanhumane.org/bkaw.

Find us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/americanhumane and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/americanhumane. The information contained in this release can be reused and posted with proper credit given to the American Humane Association.

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link^® between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane's office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the "No Animals Were Harmed"^® end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane's office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane^® Certified farm animal program is the nation's original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food. American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America's "Best in America" Seal of Approval, has met the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability required by the American Institute of Philanthropy to qualify as a Top-Rated Charity, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's premier independent charity evaluator. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.

SOURCE American Humane Association