Journalism contest seeks the best stories about animal welfare

The best journalism about animals and the threats they face will be recognized by National Press Club through the Ann Cottrell Free Animal Reporting Award, a part of the Club's annual Journalism Contest.

The award was established by the family of journalist and longtime National Press Club member Ann Cottrell Free, who wrote extensively about animals and their welfare. The prize recognizes serious work by journalists that informs and educates the public about threats facing animals.

Last year’s winners were Chris Adams of McClatchy newspapers for "Chimps, Life in a Lab" and the NBC Nightly News for "Detroit Dog Rescue."

The award includes both print and broadcast categories. The prize for each is $750.

The deadline for entering the National Press Club Journalism Contest is April 1. For information about the contest, click here.

Besides the Free Animal Reporting Award, the Journalism Contest includes awards for news photos, breaking news, political reporting, regional reporting on Washington, international coverage, consumer reporting, online journalism and newsletter journalism. It also includes a group of awards for coverage of such various areas as the journalism industry, the aviation industry, problems facing the elderly and humor writing.

For more information about the Free Animal Reporting Award, click here: