OVER 100 dogs, and possibily a few other four-legged critters, will put their paws to the pavement for a very important cause on May 25, 2025.
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The RSPCA's Million Paws Walk is back to raise money for animal welfare initiatives.
The 2025 event has been dubbed 'One last lap' as it will be the final year of the national fundraiser.
However, the Bathurst branch of the RSPCA, which has participated for around 25 years, has committed to keeping the walk alive locally beyond 2025.
"We're continuing the walks, because this is our major fundraiser event for the year," RSPCA Bathurst volunteer Margaret Gaal said.
"... It'll keep raising money. We're going to do it every year."
That will come as good news for the Bathurst community, as the Million Paws Walk has become a beloved event on the calendar.
While most people bring along their dogs, there have been times where cats, rabbits, goats and horses have been spotted taking part.
"We get so much support from the locals. It's terrific," Ms Gaal said.
"And, of course, the local businesses support us as well, because they donate product to us so we can raffle it."
The 2025 walk will start near the Gordon Edgell Bridge, with participants walking through Bicentennial Park alongside the river and back to the starting point.
The Lions Club will host a sausage sizzle to welcome participants back from the walk and a coffee van will also be on hand.
Plenty of treats will be available for the animals that take part.
While there is wet weather on the forecast for the days leading up the event, it is not expected to impact the walk on Sunday.
Money raised from the Bathurst Millions Paws Walk, typically around $2500, will stay in the community and be used for things such as pet desexing, vaccination programs, and providing food to animals in need.
How to join the walk
Registrations are open online for the Million Paws Walk.
People can also sign up their pets for the walk on the day of the event, with registrations available from 10am near the starting point of the walk.
The walk will get under way at 11am.
In addition to taking part in the walk, the initiative can be supported by making donations online through the official website.
