By Horsetalk.co.nz on Oct 20, 2012 in Focus
Declan’s efforts are to be recognized after he heard of the inhumane and cruel practice of horse slaughter
Declan speaking in D.C. last March with Congressman Jim Moran ~ photo by Terry Fitch of Wild Horse Freedom Federation
A 10-year-old boy’s efforts in opposing horse slaughter have earned him the “Kid of the Year” award from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Declan Gregg, of Greenland, New Hampshire, is among a group of outstanding animals and people to be recognized by the charity for their significant impact on the lives of animals during the past year.
Declan will be honored alongside a paralyzed cat and a canine video star at this year’s ASPCA Humane Awards luncheon in New York City on November 8.
Declan’s efforts are to be recognized after he heard of the inhumane and cruel practice of horse slaughter and decided to get involved.
Declan started his own blog, Children 4 Horses, to spread the word about horse advocacy issues and worked diligently with the Million Horse March campaign to collect letters from children to inspire lawmakers to end the slaughter of American horses.
His dedication to horse advocacy brought him to the nation’s capital twice in recent months, where he represented more than 1000 children from the United States and abroad by presenting the letters to legislators in Congress.
Declan in D.C. with Author/president of Wild Horse Freedom Federation R.T. Fitch (R.T.’s favorite photo) ~ by Terry Fitch
In addition to his Washington visits, Declan testified at a hearing for a bill opposing horse slaughter at the New Hampshire State House in January.
Declan’s blog, read by individuals in more than 80 countries, provides commentary on horse advocacy issues and also includes horse poetry, horse news, photos, Declan’s artwork and stories about other children who have made a difference helping horses.
The award Declan will receive is officially called the ASPCA “Tommy P. Monahan” Kid of the Year. It is dedicated to Tommy, a 9-year-old Staten Island boy who perished in 2007 trying to save his dog from a house fire.
“The ASPCA continues to be astounded by the bravery and compassion of this year’s Humane Awards winners,” said ASPCA president and chief executive Ed Sayres.
“Each honoree exemplifies our mission of preventing cruelty to animals in their own unique ways, and we are humbled by their achievements and dedication to the animals who count on us to be their voice.”
Following a nationwide call to the public for nominations in February, an ASPCA-appointed committee reviewed hundreds of entries and selected winners in six categories.
The 2012 ASPCA Humane Award winners, along with Declan, are:
Please click (HERE) to view the other winners and to comment
Related articles
- IEC Update: Pro-Horse Groups Aim to End Horse Slaughter (rtfitchauthor.com)
- For The Love of Horses: No Horse Slaughter Plant Yet For Missouri As Antagonists Continue Opposition (rtfitchauthor.com)
- DRF: Canada Stops Accepting U.S. Horses for Slaughter (rtfitchauthor.com)
- What Happened to Horse Slaughter? (rtfitchauthor.com)
- Confusion Reins As Canadian Slaughter Plants Halt Import of Us Horses (rtfitchauthor.com)
- Update: Horse Slaughter Grinds to a Halt (rtfitchauthor.com)
Categories: Horse News, Horse Slaughter, Wild Burros, Wild Horses/Mustangs
Straight from the Horse's Heart 
DECLAN, YOU MAY BE TEN YEARS OLD, BUT YOU’RE QUITE A MAN TO ME. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU’RE DOING TO HELP STOP THE SLAUGHTER OF THESE BEAUTIFUL ANIMALS. YOUR FRIEND, NANCY G. ELLISON
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Declan: You are an outstanding young man. Never waiver from your ideals. Educating our Legislators, seems fruitless at times. Never give up!!
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Awesome and god bless him
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Congrats Declan! (and family)
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Congratulations, Declan. Thank you for making a stand for what is right.
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Keep up your brave quest fighting for the horses Declan, I really do admire you for what you are doing.
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Hands clapping/Standing ovation here, Declan!! You have set the bar for the rest of us! Congratulations!
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Congratulations, Declan! The force of the horse is with you. You are a Hero to children and adults alike, who want slaughter to end. In my eyes you are “Man of the Year”. I am glad that the ASPCA has recognized your efforts.
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Declan is quite a wise and compassionate young man and we thank him for speaking out and sharing his feeling, as well as; taking the time to educate other children, for the protection of all equines. Knowledge is power and no matter what the age, it can be used to right the wrong…he certainly is on the “right” path.
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Congrats Declan , You are a Outstanding example of our Youth, Let nothing stand in your way to save the Horses !!!!!!!!
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There can’t be a better combo, than Declan and R.T. in Washington!
Keep up the great work you guys and the force for all the horses!!
Obama,
Stop your roundups!
Save our tax $$$
SAVE
America’s Wild Horses
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P.S. Obama,
SAVE AMERICA’S WILD HORSES…. SAVE AMERICA’S HORSES!
STOP the SLAUGHTER!!!
This is a no-brainer!!!
JUST STOP IT!!! (What’s the deal???… What’s the BIG deal???l!!!!)
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Declan, i live in Canada, am a follower of the CHDC and i support a horse rescue here. I continue to do what i can to ban this BARBARIC industry. Your efforts do not go unrecognized young man, and i am privlidged to have had the opportunity to read your story. We desperately need more people like you in this world.
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Congratulations, Declan. We are so very proud of you.
http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20121023-NEWS-210230413
Seacoast boy who fought for horses named ASPCA’s Kid of the Year
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Declan, you are an inspiration to all of us who love horses, and all animals! Thank you for your devotion!
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