Time for walkies as RSPCA East Lancs branch hosts fundraising day
Staff and volunteers at RSPCA Lancashire East Branch are inviting dog owners to join them for a fundraising walk at Burnley.
Mutt Strutt is back for its sixth year at Towneley Park on Sunday, August 23 with all proceeds from the popular dog-walking event going towards caring for the animals at the branch’s busy rehoming centre at Altham.
Organisers say those attending will provide another boost to the branch’s campaign to keep its kennels open. They faced closure earlier this year when a deficit of £180,00 was projected because of financial difficulties linked to rising vet and utility bills.
Following a successful fundraising initiative, which saw around £110,000 raised by individuals and businesses in the East Lancashire community, the branch has sufficient funds to keep the centre’s doors open until June 2027.
The walk starts at noon with a 3pm finish and registration for the event is at Towneley Park from 11-30am until till 1-45pm. Dog walkers can also register in advance by contacting the animal centre on 01254 231118 or by emailing [email protected]
Owners can choose to walk their dogs over a 1.5 mile-long marshalled route, or complete the circuit twice so as to make up a three-mile circuit.
The cost of entry is £10 and once the route is completed walkers receive a certificate and doggy goody bag.
The tombola team will be in attendance with raffle prizes and doggy lucky dips while Mandy's Mucky Mutts will be there for photographs to capture all the fun of the event.
RSPCA Lancashire East Branch manager Jeanette Ainscough said: “Towneley Park is a popular spot for dog walking so we are hoping to get a lot of dog lovers to sign up for another super Mutt Strutt event. It will be great to get as many people as possible taking part as it will provide another fundraising boost for us.
“We have found it a challenge to meet the increasing costs of our vital work helping to rehome animals who have suffered from neglect. But the community has really rallied around over the last few months to hold a range of fundraising events and we have over 400 new supporters who have pledged to join our Safe Haven scheme and become regular monthly donors.
“We would love it if owners and their dogs could join us for what should be another great fundraising day.”
Anyone wishing to learn more about how they can help RSPCA Lancashire East Branch should visit the branch website at www.rspca-lancseast.org.uk or email: [email protected]