Dog rescue films scoops public vote prize at Charity Film Awards

The RSPCA say the film highlights what we can achieve “together for animal welfare”

A heart-warming RSPCA dog rescue video has scooped a major prize at the Smiley Charity Film Awards in London.

The film – ”Together’ – an in-house creative from the animal welfare charity, celebrates the huge range of people who support the work of the RSPCA’s dedicated frontline teams – including staff, volunteers and supporters.

The RSPCA bagged the Grand Prix People’s Choice Award after the film received the most support after two rounds of public voting, at a ceremony on Wednesday (20 March).

Award organisers confirmed the category received more votes than ever before.

The charity has said it was “special and poignant” that a film about working together to improve animal welfare had received such high levels of public support, after collecting the gong at the ODEON Luxe at Leicester Square.

RSPCA Inspector Nicola Johnson stars in the film – and is shown racing to the aid of a dumped dog; flanked by other people who support the work of the RSPCA, and the animal welfare cause – including veterinary staff, a charity fun runner and an animal care assistant.

Alan Laxton, Broadcast Manager at the RSPCA, who collected the award from rapper, singer and songwriter Professor Green, said: “We’re over the moon to have been recognised by the public for this film, amid so many inspiring entries.

“Our film highlights what we can achieve together for animal welfare; and are so grateful to the Smiley Charity Film Awards and the voting public for this recognition.

“It feels special and poignant that this award was chosen by the public – as this film is all about highlighting how animal welfare is a team effort; and that our dedicated frontline officers couldn’t get to calls about cruelty and neglect without everyone doing their bit – from the charity fun runner raising money for us, to the kind-hearted member of the public taking a stray animal they find to a local vet.

“The award is also a great way to celebrate our 200th anniversary this year.

“As we all strive to create a kinder, better world for every animal, our broadcast team will continue to work closely with our animal rescuers, volunteers and supporters to create content that showcases how much we can do together for animal welfare.”

Lorna Milliken, Managing Director at Smiley Movement, added: “We are delighted for the RSPCA, especially to have won at such a poignant time in their 200th year. All the entries this year have been outstanding, so to win People’s Choice is a wonderful achievement.”

This year the RSPCA celebrates its 200th year of changing industries, laws, minds, and animals’ lives. To mark this anniversary the animal welfare charity wants to inspire one million people to join their movement to improve animals’ lives.

Together, there are actions, big and small, everyone can take to create a better world for every animal. To find out how you can join their million-strong movement for animals visit www.rspca.org.uk/200.