WVTK has been a pioneer for animals, not only in New England, but also across the nation. Led by Zeman’s morning show, the station delivers a message of compassion for animals by promoting adoption with the Addison County Humane Society. It also runs In Defense of Animals’ public service announcements. WVTK, with Zeman leading the charge, is laying the groundwork for IDA’s Guardian Campaign to be adopted statewide.

“If animals could speak they would ask us to educate future generations on the proper treatment and views toward them,” Zeman said. “They would ask for our schools to teach children animals are sentient beings with feelings and needs of their own — and not disposable objects or property. Animals would also ask humans to enact laws that ‘have teeth,’ and protect them from abuse, cruelty and neglect — and punish those who commit crimes against them.”

WVTK’s championing of animal welfare has inspired IDA to present the station with its Guardian’s Voice award. Zeman’s newest addition to the family, Nathan, is the reason he was originally stirred to action. Nathan is the national poster dog for IDA.

As president of his building’s tenant association in New Jersey, Zeman sued a former landlord on behalf of himself and 20 other families, defending their right to live with their animal companions, and treat them as family members — not property.

“The focus of the award should be on Nathan — who is the reason I became involved in animal rights and animal welfare work to begin with — and WVTK, which has allowed me to have such a vocal and visible role in promoting animal welfare,” Zeman said. “Speaking up for animals is something I’ve done for 25 years and it’s something everyone should do. There are people who talk about change and then there are people that actually make the change happen — I consider myself in the latter group. There is no award, accolade or reward, of any kind, that can give me the satisfaction I get when I know I’ve helped save lives. Saving Hobbes (my recently rescued dachshund) is a perfect example of how one person can make a difference.”

For more information, call Zeman at 388-7563 or e-mail bruce@921wvtk.com

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