Title: "Join the Fun at RSPCA’s First-Ever Dogs’ Day Out in Great Harwood"
The RSPCA is set to host a major event for families and dogs at the Great Harwood Showground. The first-ever Dogs’ Day Out will take place on Saturday, July 5, and promises entertainment for all, including four-legged companions.
The event will highlight the efforts of the 12 RSPCA branches in the North West, which, last year, managed to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome over 1,600 animals including cats, dogs, and other small furry creatures.
A large number of organisations, charities, and local traders have already committed to participating in the event. This includes the Rossendale & Pendle Mountain Rescue Team, Hobby Horse Adventures, and Lancashire Constabulary’s Rural Crime Taskforce.
Visitors will get the chance to interact with officers from the RSPCA’s rescue teams, who will be performing a simulated horse rescue. More details will also be shared about the life-saving operations carried out at Greater Manchester Animal Hospital.
A host of activities, stalls, and attractions are lined up for the day, including a fun dog show, dog agility displays, an artisan food truck, and a charity supermarket marquee. RSPCA teams from Education and Volunteering will also be present to discuss their work and provide information about local pet food bank schemes for those in need of assistance.
The car park at the showground will be open to visitors free of charge, and payments at the event can be made using both cash and contactless methods. Dog owners are welcome to bring along their pets, provided they are kept on a lead. A designated ‘chill-out’ zone for dogs will also be available.
Susie Hughes from the RSPCA’s Manchester & Salford Branch, who is organising the event alongside the Lancashire East Branch, said: "This is the first time so many RSPCA branches have come together for an event of this kind. As we are all self-funding charities, we hope it will give people the opportunity to find out more about what we do. Perhaps you are thinking about welcoming a rescue pet into your family or would like to chat to us about becoming a foster carer, volunteer, or fundraiser? We’re really grateful to the many local and regional organisations and charities who are also taking part in this inaugural event so please do come along and support us – there will be activities, stalls, bargains, food, and entertainment for just about everyone."
The RSPCA plays a significant role in animal welfare, with much of their work carried out through their 135 branches. These branches, which are separate self-funding charities, raise their own funds to support the animal welfare work they do. They also provide advice on microchipping, neutering, and subsidised animal treatments, and offer rehabilitation and rehoming services for animals through their centres, clinics, and fostering facilities.
Traders, registered charities, and caterers interested in securing a spot at the event have until June 7 to sign up. All stall holders must provide their own equipment, public liability insurance, and, if applicable, a food hygiene certificate. Stalls are free of charge for registered charities, and £20 plus a raffle prize for other applicants. For further information, email [email protected].
