TAILS are wagging across the Hunter this week in anticipation of the RSPCA's Million Paws Walk on Sunday.
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The annual event celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and the nation's animal-protection charity is hoping to raise plenty of funds to continue its vital work.
One million dollars per week is needed to keep RSPCA shelters in NSW operating and inspectors on the road investigating cases of animal cruelty.
But incredibly, less than two per cent of the organisation's annual funding comes from the government, which makes fundraising so important for its operation.
"Over 34,000 animals turn to RSPCA NSW for help every year and we can continue to care for them when they need us most because of our generous supporters," RSPCA NSW's Danielle Cameron said.
"Million Paws Walk is our biggest fundraiser of the year."
The standard daily expense for a canine in shelter with the RSPCA is, on average, $19 per day. So for the cost of one adult ticket to the Paws Walk, $22.50, you can help provide a day in care as well as vaccinations, the RSPCA says. A family ticket, at $36, covers two nights at the hospital clinic.
The Hunter walk, to be held at Foreshore Park in Newcastle, commences at 11am.
The event begins beforehand from 9.30am, presumably for a warm-up involving sniffing and licking, and runs until 2pm after the walk, most likely for a lie-down.
The family-friendly event features RSPCA stalls of the inspector team, volunteering, foster care, education and veterinary hospital, which will offer free health checks.
There will also be working dog displays, emergency service displays, behaviour talk, dog washing, a variety of food vendors and exhibitors, live music and competitions for the best dressed, fittest and roundest dog.
A jumping castle, face painting, arts and craft table and a visit from big dog should also keep the least pet-loving kids entertained.
No word on whether the Ross Dog, recently medically-retired Newcastle Knights player Nathan Ross, will be in attendance.
Nothing can top a fun day out with your furry four-legged friend raising funds for a great cause.
- Danielle Cameron, RSPCA NSW.
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Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his wife, Lucy, are selling their property, Scotts Creek, in the foothills of the Liverpool Ranges near Murrurundi. An online auction will be held next month for the 2000-hectare farm, which has a history of running merino sheep and breeding quality beef cattle. Bids between $6.5 to $6.75 million are expected.