Watch Evan Schuurman's video report of the RSPCA's Million Paws Walk here.
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MORE than 200 dogs and their owners walking around Victoria Park at the same time might be a jogger’s worst nightmare, but for the RSPCA the morning stroll was a vital fundraiser.
Dogs of all shapes and sizes took part in the annual Australia-wide event, from a tiny nine-week-old cavalier poodle cross to a great dane bigger than its owner.
The RSPCA Million Paws Walk has been designed as a fun day for animal lovers while also raising money for local RSPCA animal shelters.
Acting supervisor of the Ballarat shelter Hayley Aisbett said the funding was crucial.
“It’s probably what gets us through the year,” she said.
Click here for the gallery from the event
“How much (is raised) I couldn’t tell you, but it is one of our main events so hopefully a lot. (It’s critical) to keeping us running and helping the animals out.”
But Ms Aisbett said the walk served another purpose.
“It’s to teach people about responsible ownership as well,” she said.
“(It’s about) having a dog on lead, getting them out, getting them to walk around the park and just being sociable and getting your dogs out there.”
Stay tuned for Top Dogs in The Courier tomorrow.
The walk was followed up with food and activities, including a jumping castle and doggy paw painting.
The RSPCA takes in more than 144,000 animals annually and investigates more than 43,000 complaints of animal cruelty and neglect.
