A CAT captured mid-yawn is just one of the lovely and hilarious images up for deliberation in the People’s Choice category of the prestigious RSPCA Young Photographer Awards. 

Online voting is now open for the public to choose their favourite animal photo in the category.

Fourteen animal images taken by talented youngsters aged from six to 18 have been shortlisted for the RSPCA’s photography competition and the winner will be decided by votes cast online by members of the public.  

Yiyi Poulopoulou, aged 15, from Cheshire, is one of those shortlisted in the category with a picture of their cat mid-yawn whilst enjoying the sunshine in the garden.

Yiyi said: “I was using a fairly fast shutter speed so I was able to capture this silly photo of her mid-yawn!”

In December last year, the overall winners of the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2023 were announced after being judged by a panel of photographic experts including RSPCA president Chris Packham and industry professionals. 

Part two of the competition, the People’s Choice Award, is now live (March 2024). A special online poll enables people to pick their winning photo from a selection of images that entered the Mobile Phone and Devices category featuring three age groups of Under 12s, 12-15s and 16-18 year olds; as well as from the Pet Personalities and Pet Portrait categories.

RSPCA photographer and awards judge, Andrew Forsyth, said: “We love this part of the awards as it gives the public the chance to get involved and pick their favourite photo. We’ve got some funny, sweet and stunning photos shortlisted and we’re excited to share them. I can’t wait to see the winning photo!

“The photos shortlisted for the People’s Choice Award this year showcase some incredibly feel-good images and a range of animals from pets, farm animals to insects. This is a fantastic selection that is bound to make you laugh and say “aww” out loud - so please get voting!”

The winner of the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards People’s Choice category will receive £100 worth of Amazon vouchers and an RSPCA Young Photographer Awards trophy.

Voting will close on Tuesday, March 12, here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5YV32GH. The winner will be announced on the RSPCA’s Facebook page on Thursday, 14 March.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the RSPCA and as it celebrates such an important milestone, the charity is preparing for this year’s Young Photographer Awards which will launch on Tuesday, 7 May and is set to be bigger and better than ever.

Andrew added: “We’d urge all budding young photographers to please keep an eye out for the opening of submissions to the competition this year, or you can register your interest now at YPA24@rspca.org.uk and we’ll send you full information when we launch.

“Reaching our 200th-year is a significant achievement and events like the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards - which shows not only young people’s outstanding photography skills but also a deep love and respect for the animal kingdom - makes us incredibly hopeful that every animal will be protected and cared for over the next 200 years as well.”