History
The first ever Million Paws Walk took place in 1994 in Queensland.
The idea came from Dr Cam Day, who was the RSPCA Queensland Operations Manager and Veterinarian at that time. Dr Day believed a special event involving animals of all types walking together could be a ‘win-win’ situation, providing a fun day out for pets and their owners, while promoting responsible pet ownership and raising much-needed funds for the RSPCA.
Dr Day’s vision for the Million Paws Walk was a national and ultimately, international, event for animals and their ‘families’ worldwide.
Since 1994, Dr Day’s idea has taken hold throughout Australia and in 2007 there were more than 60 walks around the country with around 40,000 people and 17,000 animals taking part in every state and territory of Australia.
The Million Paws Walk will be held nationally for the 17th year in 2010 and while the ultimate target of a million paws walking (250,000 animals) is yet to be reached, the event serves several important purposes.
First and foremost it is the major annual national fundraising activity for the RSPCA in Australia.
Secondly it raises awareness of the many and varied roles of the RSPCA, both in relation to domestic pets as well as broader responsibilities relating to both farm and exotic animals as well as native wildlife and marine creatures.
Million Paws Walk is also an opportunity to educate the community about responsible pet ownership.
