Big turnout hoped for charity walk

If the secretary of Friends of RSPCA WA (Geraldton) gets her way, every pet owner in Geraldton will be walking his or her dog in the RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk on Sunday.

The annual Australia-wide event is the RSPCA’s biggest fundraiser for the prevention of cruelty to animals.

Nola Bellwood said the Million Paws Walk had been held in Geraldton for at least the past 12 years.

She said up to 90 pets walked last year.

“This year, I’d love to see at least 200, in fact, I’d love to see every dog in Geraldton turn up, ” Ms Bellwood said.

“Anyone who is interested in the welfare of animals is welcome to register and attend.”

Ms Bellwood said there have been some unusual pets brought to previous events, though they didn’t usually walk the 3km or 6km routes.

“The most unusual was earthworms, but we’ve had a pig, snakes, a kangaroo and a Shetland pony, ” she said.

“But it’s mainly dogs that do the walk.”

Registrations open at 9am at Apex Park on Chapman Road.

Walkers will set out at 10am after the release of homing pigeons.

Geraldton Grammar School and Durack students will assist at the event.

The Million Paws Walk will also include a pet parade, refreshments, RSPCA merchandise and prizes for a raffle donated by local businesses.

Register online at www.millionpawswalk.com.au/Western_Australia.