Voting for the competition launched on Tuesday, 5 March, and will remain open until Tuesday, 12 March.
The online poll enables voters to choose a winning photo from 14 short-listed images, submitted by photographers aged six to 18. The photographs come from three different competition categories; Mobile Phone and Devices, Pet Personalities and Pet Portrait.
The winner will receive £100 worth of Amazon vouchers, as well as a prestigious RSPCA Young Photographers Awards trophy.
Andrew Forsyth, RSPCA photographer and awards judge, said: “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!”
Among this year’s shortlisted entries is 12-year-old Violet Brown’s picture ‘Shake It Off’, which shows Marley the dog shaking off water after a dip in the creek. Eighteen-year-old Sophie Green’s photo ‘Leap Frog’ features Pepper leaping fences with her friend Mabel.
‘I Spy With My Little Eye’, snapped by six-year-old Alfie Woodfine, pictures his dog Petal having a snooze in a pile of her favourite toys. Meanwhile Corina Southern, aged 13, photographed a surprise meeting with an alpaca in her photo ‘Alpacas Under the Viaduct’.
Voters can choose their favourite image from fourteen options by voting online here.
The other category winners were selected by a judging panel, including RSPCA president Chris Packham, and announced in December.
The next competition will coincide with RSPCA’s 200th anniversary , and so the charity is preparing for it to be the biggest yet. It is encouraging young photographers to get involved ahead of the opening of submissions.
Mr Forsyth said: “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.”
Entries for RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2024 will open on Thursday, 7 May. Visit the website for more information.
Thumbnail and story image: ‘Shake It Off’ © RSPCA Young Photographers Awards/Violet Brown
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