ASPCA Names 2026 Humane Award Honorees
From a search-and-rescue dog deployed to disaster zones to a therapy miniature horse duo navigating hospital halls, the ASPCA has selected its 2026 Humane Award recipients. These annual honors recognize both human and animal advocates whose work has redefined the bond between species and improved welfare standards nationwide.
The 2026 class of honorees features a diverse range of contributions, spanning from industrial reform to crisis intervention. The ASPCA will celebrate these achievements during a luncheon at The Plaza Hotel in New York City on October 8. Among the winners is Canyon, a former Mississippi stray turned elite search-and-rescue canine, who provided critical support during the Maui wildfires and the 2025 Texas floods. Joining him is the Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment (C-RAD) organization, which receives the Henry Bergh Award for its pioneering work in training alpine search teams.
The roster also highlights personal dedication, including the late Eloise “Lulu” Peck, named Kid of the Year for a legacy of compassion that inspired the creation of the Living for Lulu Foundation. Farm animal welfare advocate Craig Watts, a former poultry grower turned activist, and NYPD Mounted Unit Detective Kyle McLaughlin, who gained national attention for an on-horseback pursuit in Manhattan, round out the human honorees. Completing the group are therapy horses Aiden and Pearl, recognized for their decade-long commitment to supporting individuals through equine-assisted services. ASPCA president Matt Bershadker noted that these stories serve as a testament to the resilience and capacity for connection that animals bring to human lives.
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