Michel Zoghzoghi’s ‘A life changing experience’ is overall winner.
The competition, now in its fourth year, encourages entrants to send in funny images and videos for a chance to win in various categories. It was created by Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam to highlight the vital role that pets have in people’s lives.
Michel Zoghzoghi’s entry, which features his rescue kittens Max and Alex, was also picked up in the Best Cat Category.
Mr Zoghzoghi, a professional wildlife photographer from Beirut, Lebanon, received a cash prize of £500, a camera bag and a trophy.
He said: “Max and Alex form a lethally cute duo. I had more fun and surprises taking photos of these two characters, than during my most adventurous wildlife photography trips.
“As a wildlife photographer I never really considered sending photos to a pet competition until I discovered Comedy Pets. It’s witty, it’s fun and the photos are hilarious.
“I am extremely happy and proud to have won it as all the finalists were really outstanding and some of them made me laugh to tears."
UK amateur street photographer Chris Porsz’s entry ‘Barking’ took first place in the Best Dog Category, as well as being selected for the People’s Choice Award.
He said: “It is a great privilege to have been awarded this prestigious accolade amongst so many other great pictures. Thank you to the judges and to all those who voted in the people’s choice.”
The winner in the All Other Creatures category was Darya Zelentsova, originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, whose ferret Boudicca is pictured in her entry ‘The First Outdoor Walk'.
She said: “I’m so happy to see my lovely Boudicca among the winners. Ferrets almost never win anything in major international photo contests, and I’m glad to promote them as amazing pets and models.”
Tom Sullam, co-founder of the Comedy Pet Photo Awards said: “This is still a very young competition in the whole scheme of things, but within a few short years we are already receiving some of the most uplifting, life-affirming hilarious images of pets in the world! We couldn’t be more excited to share these with you all.
“Pets have played a fundamental role during the covid years, and to be able to laugh out loud with these loveable creatures is the reason this competition exists!"
The competition will be open for 2024 entries next year on their website.
Scroll down to view more of the competition winners:
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
