Each year, we memorialize the legacy of a beloved member of the PETA family by presenting the Gregory J. Reiter Animal Rescue Award to a group or an individual who demonstrates inspiring dedication to animals. Greg’s wife, Alysoun Mahoney, continues to honor her late husband with her own commitment to animal liberation and her work to provide rescued dogs, cats, horses, and wildlife with loving homes.

Alysoun and Greg rescued a former racehorse together, and currently, Alysoun cares for horses Caroline and Charlie. In 2014, PETA’s rescue team rescued Caroline from chronic neglect. Following a PETA investigation in 2016, Charlie was rescued after years of being drugged and forced to race despite multiple injuries.

So it seems natural that Professor Kim Ranyoung and her team with South Korea’s Jeju Vegan have been chosen as the recipients of this year’s award in recognition of all that they do to help animals, especially horses.

In 2024, Professor Kim and Jeju Vegan animal rights advocates worked with PETA investigators to stop a truck just yards from the entrance of the largest horse slaughterhouse in South Korea, only to find that the filthy and malnourished mare in the back of the truck was an American Thoroughbred named My Elusive Dream. Earlier this year, these same determined animal defenders discovered another former racehorse, Golden Minister, starving on an unlicensed farm where some former racehorses were sent to be illegally slaughtered.

The Stronach Group—one of the largest racehorse companies in North America—helped transport both My Elusive Dream and Golden Minister to the U.S., and today the pair are safe and thriving at their lush ranch in Florida.

Watch the video of this year’s virtual award presentation and prepare to be inspired!