Leena's Humanitarian Award has been established to recognize the efforts of photographers who use their lenses to advocate for animals and make significant contributions to furthering the animal cause through their work. I am honored to have received this recognition for my photo essay, which delves into the bond between unowned, stray, and feral cats and the advocates committed to their welfare. These photos were captured during my collaboration with Indy Neighborhood Cats from 2021 to 2024.
The images draw a comparison between the relationships people cultivate with stray and feral cats and those typical of traditional pet ownership. The human-animal bond transcends the notion that an animal must be “owned” to be viewed and valued as a companion animal. The empathy and connection that many individuals exhibit towards these cats go beyond mere sympathy; they embody a collective sense of responsibility towards the community and a humane and proactive commitment to their care through spaying and neutering initiatives.
