In September 2020, in collaboration with Animal Wellness Action, HAP hosted a panel discussion on the groundbreaking documentary Endgame 2050.

Our amazing panel had an incredibly moving and engaging discussion that we are proud to share.

Thank you so much to our amazing panelists:
Natalie Ahwesh, HAP Vice President;
Brandon Burr, Animal Wellness Action's Director of Food Policy; Sofia Pineda Ochoa, Endgame 2050 Director, Producer, and Narrator; and
Bob Rapfogel, Endgame 2050 Producer

Join our discussion on Facebook here.

HAP has meetings every six weeks where we discuss current federal, state, and local animal issues. Meetings always include Action Alerts, or a list of simple actions members can take to speak up for animals. Meetings frequently feature  guest speakers, including former, current, and hopeful federal, state, and local leaders.

HAP offers many opportunities for volunteers to get more involved, including tabling at different events in the Pittsburgh area and attending and hosting events. Please contact us if you are interested!

In 2017, HAP was thrilled to host its annual Heroes Award Reception and honor the following awardees:

Honorable Bruce A. Kraus: For his leadership, commitment to animal well-being, and introduction of the first Puppy Mill ordinances in the City of Pittsburgh and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Mr. Kraus is Pittsburgh’s animal champion.

David J. Mongillo, Esquire: In recognition for his extraordinary efforts in drafting animal protection laws, including the the first Puppy Mill ordinances in the City of Pittsburgh and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Albert Lee, Esquire: In recognition for his generosity and support as a Corporate Sponsor of our mission to advance animal protection.

Our 2018 Heroes Award Reception was held at the PPG Place Wintergarden with plant-based dinner from Fortuitea, Onion Maiden, and Curly Tail Coffee. Hosted by Steve Hansen, our 2018 Honorees included:

Daisy Wise - Compassionate Living Award for taking meat off the menu at Hello Bully fundraisers;
David Mongillo, Esquire -  Best Friend to Animals Award for drafting the bull hook ordinance;
Nancy Lee - Monumental Achievement Award for her many accomplishments including WearWoof, a retail store where proceeds go to animal charity; and
Honorable Bruce A. Kraus - Legislator of the Year for protecting circus animals as the champion for the bull hook ban. 
 
Legislators in attendance included: Sharpsburg Mayor Matthew Rudzki, Wilkinsburg Mayor Marita Garrett, Bellevue Mayor Emily Marburger, Monessen Mayor Matt Shorraw, U.S. Representative-Elect Conor Lamb, State Senator Guy Reschenthaler, State Senator Randy Vulakovich, City Council President Bruce A. Kraus, City Councilwoman Erika Straussburger,​ Allegheny County Councilman Sam DeMarco, PA House candidate Emily Skopov, and PA House candidate Summer Lee.

HAPpy 4th anniversary! Our 2019 Heroes Award Reception was one to remember. We had a lot of animal protection to celebrate in one evening, with Representative Jason Ortitay delivering the welcome news that Victoria's Law has a high amount of co-sponsors with the hope that a retail ban on puppy mill dogs, cats, and rabbits will soon be reality across Pennsylvania. Hosted at Clear Story Studios, our annual gala was catered by Onion Maiden.

Our 2019 Honorees included:
Ms. Simone Frerk & Dr. Michael Parkinson - Compassionate Living Award for hosting Forward Food Conferences and culinary trainings, incorporating plant-based meals in most of the UPMC hospital cafeterias, updating the food ordering system to make it easier for physicians to order vegetarian and vegan meals for their in-house patients, and promoting plant-based diets and healthy lifestyle habits across the Greater Pittsburgh area;

Mayor Matthew Rudzki - Legislator of the Year for passing the first ban on circus performances with exotic animals in the state, issuing the first Sentient Proclamation in the country, passing laws to protect dogs from inclement weather that enhanced state law, and issuing a "no plastic please" proclamation while helping to plan a Sharpsburg Blitz to get local restaurants on board; and  

Former Senator Roy Afflerbach - Senator Roy Afflerbach Award for his lifetime service to animals as a two-term Member of the State House of Representatives, a three-term State Senator, and the Mayor of the City of Allentown, as well as the co-founder and Treasurer of Humane USA PA PAC and the founder of The Afflerbach Group, LLC.

To all our elected officials, thank you for speaking up for animals. In attendance last night: Allegheny County Councilor Sam DeMarco, Allegheny County Councilor Anita Prizio, Pittsburgh City Council President Bruce A. Kraus, Sharpsburg Mayor Matthew Rudzki, Wilkinsburg Mayor Marita Garrett, Bellevue Mayor Emily Marburger, PA Representative Sara Innamorato, PA Representative Jason Ortitay, Fmr. Senator Roy Afflerbach, and Judge Ron Arnoni

Special thank you to our sponsors and donors: Curly Tail Coffee, Hauser's Furniture and Carpeting, Neelyhouse Designs, Spring Point Partners, and Tucker Arensberg Attorneys, and our amazing photographer: Caiolinn Ertel of Ertel Photography.  Please feel free to download these photos with or without Ertel Photography's watermark.  

Last and most importantly, thank you to all who have supported HAP financially, by volunteering, and by speaking up for animals. Let's continue to build ‘America’s Model Humane City’ together.