Last Million Paws Walk raises thousands for charity

More than 1,000 people and their four-legged friends made their way to Geelong’s Eastern Gardens last weekend for one last RSPCA Million Paws Walk.

Participants and around 700 dogs took part in Saturday’s walk, helping raise $20,000 to support the fight against animal cruelty.

Events manager Kate Kasby said it was an incredible finale for the event.

“The support we saw in Geelong was incredible, with so many wagging tails.

“Across the state we’ve seen around 8,000 people and over 4,000 dogs walking to fight animal cruelty.

“While this year’s event was the last lap, RSPCA Victoria will still help care for some of the state’s most vulnerable animals through RSPCA Victoria’s Community Outreach initiatives such as low-cost vaccination clinics, means tested Healthy Pet Days, pet food banks and more.”

Participants stepped off for the Geelong event at around 11am, completing the 3km walk followed by a doggy day out for walkers and their owners.

Ms Kasby thanked everyone who helped organise the walk, the inspectors who attended and the volunteers who helped make it run smoothly.

The RSPCA also thanked everyone who has supported the event for the past three decades, with cost-of-living challenges and a change in the fundraising landscape the reason for its ending.

RSPCA chief executive officer Richard Mussell said the event had brought so much joy over the years while raising much-needed funds.

“We are so grateful to the community for heeding the call to join the last national Million Paws Walk event being held across the country.

“We extend our gratitude to the community and their furry friends who have walked together at the event during its 30-year history.

“Funds raised from this event will add to the $17 million already raised over the last three decades for vital RSPCA services to support animals in our care.”

For more information and to donate, head to rspca.org.au