Fighting against animal cruelty one step at a time

GEELONG community members and their four-legged friends will gather at the Eastern Park Hub next weekend for the annual RSPCA Million Paws Walk.

On May 26 walkers will raise much needed funds for the RSPCA in their fight against animal cruelty in what will be the 30th year of the event.

Local resident Andrea Dennett and her one-year-old whippet Olive are participating in the walk this year.

Ms Dennett has been taking part in the event for 15 years, raising a large amount of money for the cause. In 2013 she was the top individual fundraiser for the local walk.

With a goal of raising at least $1,000 each year, Ms Dennett asks her friends and family for donations rather than a present for her birthday.

“My birthday is in May, and I always say I’m really hard to buy for so just make a donation, which sort of solves two problems, but it’s really hard to raise funds these days,” she said.

“So many of my friends really love animals, and I think it’s just been a soft spot for all of them.”

Walks will take place across Australia, last year raising more than $1million and helping over 5,000 dogs in shelters.

Ms Dennett has always supported the RSPCA and got involved after finding out about the Million Paws Walk.

“I just think every dog or every cat should have the right to a shelter and food and a loving environment.”

She described the events atmosphere as “epic.”

“It’s just so many people and dogs all in the one spot and all with the one goal to end animal cruelty and it’s just great being part of that.

“Where else do you get to be around people who love their dogs while raising money for a good cause.”

Along with the walk, a dog themed market, pet competitions, dog agility demonstrations and more will entertain the crowd, also contributing to the fundraising effort.

Participants will meet at the Eastern Park Hub, next to the Geelong Botanic Gardens, with registration opening at 8:30am.

Walkers will set off on their three-kilometre walk at 11am before the event comes to a close at 1pm.

Those wanting to take part can register online now, participants who sign up before May 24 will receive a 40 per cent ticket discount.

For more information, or to sign up for the event, head to millionpawswalk.com.au