Walkers and their waggy-tailed friends are being encouraged to put their best paws forward in the world’s largest dog walk this summer to raise money for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Thousands of fundraisers and canine companions are set to bound around the coastline on The Leas, South Shields, on Sunday 9 June, in the Great North Dog Walk, which has broken the Guinness World Record for the largest dog walk 17 times since starting in 1990. Organisers are hoping to smash last year’s total of more than 23,000 walkers and 185 breeds of dog taking part in the event.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is urging dog lovers across the UK to walk the 3.5-mile route while raising money for the world-renowned rescue centre, which has been chosen by sponsors Pets At Home as one of 15 animal charities fundraisers can donate to. As a charity that receives no government funding, the Home relies on the generosity of its supporters to fund its work in caring for thousands of lost and abandoned dogs and cats every year.
Sarah Wilson, Battersea’s Head of Events, said: “This is going to be a brilliant event which has proved its popularity and success year on year. Battersea would be thrilled to see two-legged and four-legged fundraisers taking part in the race and as we rehome animals all over the UK we hope several ex-Battersea residents will be getting involved. The money raised will make a dramatic difference to the work carried out at the Home’s three centres, and allows our staff and volunteers to give love and care to so many dogs and cats that deserve new homes.”
Fundraisers taking part in the event can walk any number of dogs, but all must be on a lead and owners must carry a container, bag and poop-scoop. Walkers can start the race at any time between 10am and 3pm and choose one of four routes suited to different fitness levels and wheelchair and pram access. Entry is free and to register visit the Great North Dog Walk website at www.greatnorthdogwalk.co.uk or sign up on the day from 9am onwards.