East Yorkshire photographer wins award for 'heartbreaking' abandoned dog image

Jessica McGovern’s photograph titled ‘Abandoned’ shows a heartbreaking image of a Lurcher left alone in the rain.

It moved judges to tears during the judging process. The compelling photograph not only showcases Jessica McGovern’s talent but also acts as a reminder of the startling record level of neglect and abandoned pets in the UK.

Jessica McGovern said: “Winning this title is not just a personal milestone but also a platform to shed light on the fact the UK is at a three-year-high of dogs being neglected and abandoned in some way. Through ‘Abandoned’ I aimed to convey the silent suffering and resilient spirit of these animals.

“It’s an honour to have this message recognised on such a grand scale, and I hope that it makes others think about their ability to give these dogs a second chance when they consider adding four paws to their family.”

The annual Societies of Photographers Convention celebrates photography talent across the world. Images are meticulously scored against stringent criteria by internationally renowned judges.

’Abandoned’ not only triumphed within its category, scoring 90+ to fall inside the ‘Oustanding’ range, but also outshone all other category winners to be hailed as the ultimate winning image.

Colin Jones, The Societies of Photographers’ CEO, said:“This year we have seen a fantastic range of images and the standard has been exceptional. The Photographer of the Year Awards represent some of the finest images entered into the competition and have competed against some of the world’s best photographers.”

At just 29 years old, Jessica McGovern’s achievement stands as an inspiration to photographers worldwide, showcasing the transformative power of images to evoke emotions and advocate for those without a voice.

Her dedication to bringing attention to the issue of pet neglect and abandonment reflects the true impact photography can have on raising awareness and inspiring positive change.