More than 30 years ago, Princess Elizabeth de Croy, born into royalty as a descendant of the kings of Hungary, chose a life with animals. Saddened by the intense cruelty to animals she witnessed in France, she opened her home to animals and founded Defense et Protection des Animaux and Refuge de Thiernay. Thus began a lifetime of work dedicated to animal welfare, which was recognized in April during the 2006 Animal Care Expo in Anaheim, Calif.
Princess Elizabeth is the third recipient of the HSI Award for Extraordinary Commitment and Achievement. This award recognizes animal protectionists around the world whose sensitivity and compassion have led them to exceptional levels of bravery and self-sacrifice as they strive to mitigate and prevent the suffering of animals brought about by neglect, cruelty and exploitation.
"You can immediately sense Princess Elizabeth's dedication and love for animals," says Kelly O'Meara, HSI's program director. "For the last few decades, she has traveled the world uncovering cruelties unimaginable to most people. She has been an ambassador for animals, using her royal status to speak with important officials throughout the world about the plight of animals. She is also willing to get her hands dirty, as her day-to-day work involves caring for her shelter of abandoned animals, including more than 200 dogs, 100 cats and an array of farm animals."
HSI has supported the work of the princess and her Refuge over the years, especially through annual sterilization clinics where veterinarians from all over the world come to aid local animals and their guardians. The Refuge became a HSI Animal Advocate in 2001.
HSI commends Princess Elizabeth and her staff for the wonderful work they have done for animals in France and all over the world. She is one of many dedicated animal lovers from around the globe who, driven by determined sense of compassion, dedicate their entire lives to the protection of animals.
