Paws raises over $79,000

Over 500 pooches invaded City Park this weekend, with one thing on their mind...going for a walk and helping their furry friends.

The BCSPCA’s annual Paws for A Cause event took place in communities around the province to raise money and awareness about animal cruelty.

Each year the BCSPCA strives to provide care for 41,000 animals, a costly endeavour for the non-profit society.

Suzanne Pugh, the branch manager at the Kelowna shelter, says the organization has recently come together to make the walk a core event across BC and raise funds that will go towards ending cruelty toward animals.

“It’s so important that when we think of cruelty to animals, it is not just our domesticated animals, our dogs and our cats. It’s the equine, the horses in the community, it’s the farm animals, it’s the exotics all of those (animals), so regardless of what your passion is this is about coming together to end animal cruelty full stop.”

While it was just dogs at this event, the K-9’s and their guardians did their best to bring attention to the cause. Whether it was dressing fido up in a tutu, or in a superman t-shirt, the message was clear, abused and abandoned animals are in need of support.

Kelowna raised $79,000, exceeding their goal of $75,000. Over 80 volunteers committed their time for the day, whether it meant grooming pups post walk or selling t-shirts.

Walks also took place in Vernon and Penticton.

Photo: Jennifer Zielinski