Holly Hazard

Holly has served animals in so many ways during her long career at Humane Society of the United States. But she is receiving the Advocate award because of her zealous advocacy in the General Assembly. Because of her experience, she rallied the troops in support for good animal protection bills and against anti-animal welfare bills the last several years. Good animal bills are motivating but rallying the troops against bills which seek to undermine animal protection is equally important. She has answered the call time and time again.

Susan Seward-Virginia Veterinary Medical Association

Susan has been VVMA’s lobbyist for a long time. Not only is she a good steward for her client, but she regularly advocates for better animal protection laws in Virginia. She has assisted on the commercial breeder and animal fighting law, the animal neglect and sheltering laws and dangerous dog laws. She has been a constant force at the General Assembly and brings a gravitas to advocacy that has been a force for protection of animals.

Daphna Nachminovitch-PETA

Every day, Daphna leads the anti-cruelty campaign for PETA, and she saves many animals from cruelty in the field. But her ongoing efforts to draft and build support for progressive animal welfare bills really shows her commitment to animals. She is tireless in her advocacy at the General Assembly, and she has advanced Virginia animal protections by strengthening the definition of shelter and space as applied to dogs on chains. She has continued over the years to improve the plight of dogs living outside. She also was responsible for getting legislation regarding Envigo through the General Assembly which improved the beagle’s lives at that facility. She also has opposed anti-animal welfare bills in the General Assembly. Her Advocacy is tireless and legendary.

Heidi Meinzer-Virginia Federation of Humane Societies

Heidi is the current President of the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies, which has been supporting and promoting animal welfare for over twenty years. In her role as President, she has advocated at the General Assembly for better animal protection bills and defeated anti-animal welfare bills. She has also continued and expanded life saving programs under the VFHS. She specialized in animal law and has been a great resource to her locality and the whole state.