ORANGE RSPCA’S never-ending work to vaccinate and de-sex dogs and educate the community about responsible pet ownership received some much needed funding from Sunday's’s Million Paws Walk.
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Dogs of all breeds and colours and their owners lapped up the sunshine as they walked from Endeavour Oval, through Pilcher Park and then onto adjoining Elephant Park.
While participants were down slightly on previous years with around 130 owners taking part compared to last year’s 170, Orange RSPCA Fundraising Committee president Anne Reith said Orange’s animal-loving community continued to support the RSPCA.
“Times are tough. It costs $25 to walk around the park, and then afterwards the kids might want a sausage sandwich and can of drink; it all adds up. It’s a possibility some people can’t afford things like this at the moment,” Mrs Reith said.
“The upside was three “adopt me” dogs were there from the shelter and I think all three were adopted out.”
VIDEO: They're off and panting at Sunday's Million Paws Walk:
After the walk, competitions were held for categories such as the best-dressed dog, look-alikes and waggiest tail, which Mrs Reith said were very popular.
Each year the walk raises between $1200 to $1300 from registration costs, sold merchandise and donations, which is put back into the Orange community.
“The money goes towards the RSPCA’s subsidised de-sexing program for concession cardholders, and we’ll be holding a vaccination and micro-chipping drive [in conjunction with the Glenroi Community Alliance] hopefully in July,” Mrs Reith said.
The committee is also hoping to raise money to bring an education van from Sydney to share information on responsible pet ownership in Glenroi.
