Be Kind to Animals^® Kid Contest

Contest Highlights Be Kind to Animals Week^®, May 2-8, 2010

DENVER, Feb. 1, 2010 – 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.

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.