Million Paws Walk
The Million Paws Walk is a national activity day by the Australian Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals held in May.
Dog owners take their animals walking on designated routes in various cities and towns, with the aim to get around 250,000 animals nationally (hence "a million paws".)
Owners pay a small contribution that goes to the running of local RSPCA animal shelters.
The RSPCA arranges for water troughs and 'poo' disposal bins at various places around the course.
History
[edit]The walk was inaugurated in Queensland in 1994 after Dr Cam Day, the RSPCA Queensland Operations Manager and Veterinarian, considered ways to raise $1 million and community awareness for disadvantaged animals.[1]
The inaugural Million Paws Walk was held in Brisbane's New Farm Park in October 1994 as the main focus of Pet Week celebrations. The idea was taken to a national audience in 1996.[2] By 2004 there were 60 walks with around 30,000 people and 25,000 animals participating in every Australian state and territory.
Venues
[edit]- Canberra, Australian Capital Territory – Lake Burley Griffin.[3]
- Sydney – Centennial Park, Sydney.[4]
- Melbourne – Albert Park
- Brisbane, Queensland – University of Queensland
- Gladstone, Queensland – Canoe Point Beach
- Perth, Western Australia – Sir James Mitchell Park.[5]
- Adelaide, South Australia – Bonython Park.[6]
- Hobart, Tasmania – Queens Domain
Reference
[edit]- ^ Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Australia), (issuing body.) (1994), Million Paws Walk, RSPCA Australia, retrieved 21 May 2024
- ^ "RSPCA". The Australian Jewish News. Vol. 102, no. 21. New South Wales, Australia. 14 February 1997. p. 6 (Expressions Magazine). Retrieved 21 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ Rudd, Kevin; Australian Labor Party (2010-05-16), Transcript of remarks at the RSPCA million paws walk, Canberra, retrieved 21 May 2024
- ^ Huban, Ron (2002), Million Paws Walk at Centennial Park; National Tree Day at Belmore Park, 2002 / photographed by Ron Huban, retrieved 21 May 2024.
- ^ Gallop, Geoff (2004), Gallop, Geoff. RSPCA Million Paws Walk 2004, Sir James Mitchell Park, South Perth, 15 May 2004, retrieved 22 May 2024
- ^ "Paws to walk for RSPCA". Hills and Valley Messenger. No. 1737. South Australia. 7 May 2003. p. 4. Retrieved 21 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.