Paws for a cause

Animal lovers throughout WA will reunite on May 21 to take part in the 21st RSPCA Million Paws Walk in a display of unity in the fight against cruelty to animals.

While thousands will gather at WA’s flagship event at Sir James Mitchell Park in South Perth, eight regional walks have been organised at various locations including Geraldton and Dongara.

As the RSPCA WA relies on fund-raising and community support to generate more than 90 per cent of its funds, the Walk is an important annual event.

While Geraldton participants usually walk along the Beresford Foreshore, this year they will take a different direction because of erosion repair works.

Friends of RSPCA WA Geraldton Auxiliary secretary Nola Bellwood said the Walk would instead take place around Northgate Shopping Centre and begins at 10am in Apex Pioneer Memorial Park.

“The Million Paws Walk is a fun day out in the park with your animals,” she said.

“We have a lot of community groups involved who will set up stalls and displays and we will be hosting the annual pet parade once again.

“The money we raise here in Geraldton will go towards supporting our local inspector and also help pay for a lot of pet sterilisation subsidies through veterinary clinics.”

A new concept for the 2017 Walk is the “The Million Paws Challenge” which encourages pet owners to step up and walk one million paws — or 250,000 steps — in the month leading up to the event.

To register visit millionpaws walk.com.au.