Dylan Beckett, a worker at Assisi Animal Sanctuary in Newtownards, has been nominated in the Hooman Hero of the Year category at the National Pet Awards Northern Ireland.

Beckett joined the sanctuary in 2018 after leaving college and began volunteering five days a week at the small animal unit before securing a full-time position eight months later.

His work focuses on rabbits, guinea pigs and rats, including rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of animals that have been neglected or abandoned.

Beckett has described cases where animals arrived with severe medical conditions, including one rabbit that required immediate euthanasia, and has used these experiences to educate owners on welfare standards.

He has also reported gaining the trust of an abused rabbit over several months through patient interaction, noting that the animal eventually sought affection rather than reacting with fear.

During two separate rat hoarding incidents, the sanctuary took in more than 176 rats, with community donations of £300 supporting their care.

Beckett stated that his role involves supporting both animals and their owners through advice, bonding assistance and emergency guidance, and that he continues care work at his home outside sanctuary hours.