Head-butting kitties, a smoking alpaca, and all sorts of playful dogs are the stars of the winning images in the annual Comedy Pet Photo Awards.
The overall winner was “Boom Boom,” above, by Kenichi Morinaga of Japan. He photographed two playful stray cats on the streets of Japan.
“Cats are bumped on the wall suddenly,” Morinaga says, describing the image. “It was like a cartoon bamped boom boom. Such a funny moment.”
The picture also won the Best Cat Photo category.
Morinaga often visits the small islands around Japan, photographing the street cats he sees. His interest started when he first backpacked in Europe, not long after getting his own pet cat.
“Suddenly, I became fascinated by the antics of cats out in the streets and had to photograph them,” he said in a statement. “When I returned to Japan, I continued to seek them out; they really cheer me up, especially after the last two years of the pandemic–they are so funny, even when they are doing something serious. This amazing competition reminded me that such gestures from all animals are recognized as being Hilarious, cute, and heart-warming not only in Japan but all over the world.”
Morinaga’s winning photo was chosen from about 2,000 entries. He won a 2,000 pounds ($2,260) cash prize, plus a 5,000 pound ($5,650) donation from Animal Friends Pet Insurance to go towards animal welfare or conservation charity.
Animal Friends is donating nearly $40,000 (35,000 pounds) to animal welfare charities that care for and rehome abandoned animals. Donations will go to Dean Farm Trust, London Inner City Kitties, and Wild at Heart Foundation. Morinaga chose the Cat Welfare Group to receive his winning donation.
“We’re so chuffed to see such a funny selection of winners this year from all over the world. And brilliant to see our first ever cat winner,” competition co-founder Tom Sullam said in a statement. “The joy pets bring to our lives is evident in ALL the entries we receive, making our job as judges very enjoyable but also very tricky. What is so amazing is that these hilarious photos and videos not only make us smile in the first instance, but they also mean that we can help some incredible pet charities.”
Here’s a look at some of the other winners.
Dog Winner
Jose Bayon photographed “Nilo’s Love for Water” while the dog played in his yard in Spain.
People’s Choice Award
Fans voted and awarded “Dashing Through the Snow” the People’s Choice Award. Marko Jovanovic of the U.S. photographed his dog, Carter, playing in the snow.
Horse Winner
Radim Filipek of the Czech Republic photographed a mare and her 3-day-old foal in “Happy Horses.”
All Other Creatures Winner
“Smokin’ Alpaca” by Stefan Brusius of Germany stars an alpaca who looks like he is smoking a cigar.
Junior Winner
Freya Sharpe of Loughborough, U.K., won for “Jack the Cat Stuck in the Hedge.”
Pets Who Look Like Their Owners Winner
The resemblance is uncanny, figured Judy Nussenblatt of the U.S. who photographed “Dave and Dudley.”
Comedy Pet Team Favorite Award
The comedy award team chose “Chauffeur Dog” by Mehmet Aslan of Turkey as their favorite.
These are a few of the “highly commended” winners:
“OMG what is that”
Beth Noble photographed a very surprised cat in Heddon-on-the-Wall, U.K.
“Werewolf 2.0”
In “Werewolf 2.0,” Karl Goldhamer of Germany says, “Even a werewolf needs to relax sometimes…”
“Now, how do I upload my pics?”
Kenichi Morinaga photographed this curious cat in Japan.
“Revenge of the Tennis Ball”
Christopher Johnson snapped this action shot in Warrington, U.K.
