Paws hit the pavement for the RSPCA

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Hercules (pictured), along with siblings Octavia (our cover star), Nakita, Titan, Acadia, Echo and Akeda were surrendered to the RSPCA at around 12 weeks of age. All seven puppies have now found their fur-ever homes. Photo: Alison Maddalena, RSPCA ACT.

It’s your pooch’s favourite time of the year again!

The RSPCA’s annual Million Paws Walk (MPW) is coming to Lake Burley Griffin once again, where paws will pound the pavement in support of local RSPCA operations.

CEO at RSPCA ACT Michelle Robertson says the MPW plays a vital role in the organisation’s fundraising, with proceeds in Canberra going towards the RSPCA ACT’s shelter operations.

“Funds raised go towards the important work we do in investigating animal cruelty and in rescuing, caring for, rehabilitating and rehoming neglected, abused, unwanted and abandoned animals,” she says.

“Last financial year we saw 3,302 animals come into our shelter. Taking vet care, homing, rehabilitation and all the other things we do on a daily basis into consideration, it costs us roughly $60 per night on average to care for an animal in need. We won’t be able to this without the help from generous fundraisers, donors and the wider community.”

With nearly 60% of RSPCA ACT’s costs coming from fundraising and donations from the community, Ms Robertson says the MPW is one of the organisation’s biggest fundraisers of the year.

“This year we are hoping to raise $60,000 to go to animals in need,” she says.

“Not only is the MPW one of our biggest annual fundraisers, it also an opportunity for us to connect with the Canberra community and their canine fur babies. We have many animal lovers in the city and it is great to see everyone out with their dogs whilst enjoying a day down by the beautiful Lake Burley Griffin.”

And, if you don’t own a pet, don’t worry! The entire Canberra community is invited to get involved and enjoy the entertainment, food, drink and, of course, the pooches.

“MPW is a great day out for the entire Canberra community, whether they own a pet or not,” Ms Robertson says. “We can’t wait to see everyone on the day!”

The Million Paws Walk will be held on Sunday 19 May at Lake Burley Griffin, leaving from Patrick White Lawns at 11am. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit millionpawswalk.com.au

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