Stamford Student Wins National Award From PETA's Youth Division

STAMFORD, CT — A 15-year-old Stamford High School student is set to receive a Hero to Animals Award from peta2, the youth division of PETA, after raising $1,000 to support homeless animals at a local shelter, according to a recent announcement.

Leah Inverno raised the funds to purchase food, leashes, crates and other supplies for animals in need.

According to peta2, Inverno, who hopes to become a veterinarian, was inspired by growing up in a home with companion animals. When she entered high school and learned she was not old enough to volunteer at her local shelter, she organized a fundraising effort with friends and family, raising the money in two months.

"Leah’s dedication to helping the homeless dogs and cats in her community is a reminder that we all have the power to be heroes to animals in need," said peta2 Vice President Rachelle Owen in a news release. "The world is a kinder place thanks to Leah, and PETA encourages people of all ages to follow in her compassionate footsteps."

PETA said animal shelters across the country have faced ongoing challenges as millions of dogs and cats are homeless in the United States at any given time.

The organization encourages people to adopt animals rather than purchase them from breeders or pet stores, to avoid giving animals as gifts and to have companion animals spayed or neutered.

Young people interested in supporting animal welfare efforts may contact hello@peta2.com for guidance, according to the organization. Participants can also receive items such as T-shirts, stickers and cookbooks through peta2 when they take action for animals.

Peta2, whose motto reads in part that "animals are not ours to eat or abuse in any way," promotes what it describes as positive, empowering actions for young people and offers a free Guide to Going Vegan.

Additional information is available at peta2.com and on the group’s social media channels.