Dog day on the beach to help out feline friends

PRESS RELEASE

20 April 2010

Dog day on the beach to help out feline friends

Seaside loving dogs are invited to drag their owners down to Oddicombe beach this Sunday 25 April to join in the fun at the annual ‘Dog Day on the Beach’ organised by The Blue Cross animal charity and the Friends of Babbacombe Cliff Railway.

If you have a speedy spaniel or a fast-footed fox terrier, why not enter them into the dog races or agility contest? Or perhaps your pet pooch could try their luck in the dog show, competing for the title of prettiest female, most handsome male, best rescue dog or waggiest tail!

All money raised will help support the homeless cats at The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Watcombe, Torquay. Registration for the races and dog show starts at 10am and costs £1 per dog to enter all the races and £1 per class in the dog show. Races are from 11am to 12pm and the show is from 12pm to 1pm, with commentary provided by Ron Reynolds from Torbay Hospital Radio and sponsorship from Gilbert’s pet shop.

Tim Sillis, Blue Cross centre manager in Torbay said: “The dog day on the beach is always fantastic fun and we’re hoping the sun will shine on us this year. We’d love as many people as possible to come along and support the event for a good cause. Although they may not traditionally be thought of as best friends, this is a great chance for dogs to do something to help out their feline friends at The Blue Cross!”

Dogs and their owners alike love the beach, but if you do go along, remember to respect the area so that dogs remain welcome at the seaside and take a few simple precautions to keep your pet safe. Always supervise your dog in the water and make sure they stick to paddling at the edge of the water rather than swimming. If your dog does get into trouble, don’t go in after him, call the coastguard. Dogs often get excited around children playing with balls and people having picnics – make sure yours will come back when you call and of course, always clean up after your dog.

The Blue Cross receives no government funding and relies on public support to continue its vital work. For more information about the Dog Day at Oddicombe Beach, please call 0845 160 8023 or visit www.bluecross.org.uk

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Media are welcome to attend, please contact the press office.

The Blue Cross animal adoption centre is located on the Teignmouth Road between Torquay and Maidencombe opposite Brunel Manor and looks after cats and kittens only. The centre successfully rehomes hundreds of animals are successfully every year. To contact the centre please call 01803 327728. The centre is open daily between 10.30am and 4.00pm, including Bank holidays and closed on Wednesdays.

Friends of Babbacombe Cliff Railway is a support group in co-operation with Torbay Council formed in March 2005 to preserve protect and promote the Babbacombe Cliff Railway, which transports passengers to Oddicombe and Babbacombe beaches - http://www.friendsofbabbacombecliffrailway.org.uk

The Blue Cross animal charity provides practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of small animal and equine adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees. 

Media contact

Sophia Khan, Blue Cross press office: 020 7932 4070 or sophia.khan@bluecross.org.uk