Power shortage should not pause paws

by David Hall

May 15, 2008

THE RSPCA is facing last minute troubles for its twelfth annual Million Paws walk this Sunday, May 18, after vital power on the South Perth foreshore failed during testing.

The power box failed during testing on May 14, causing the RSPCA to find alternative arrangements to power the annual fundraising event.

RSPCA event coordinator Kelly Reid told eMUnews that back-up generators had been donated for the walk, but the recent blowout in diesel prices meant expensive fuel must now be purchased by the non-profit organisation.

“We need to power at least one generator for a minimum of 72 hours for security lighting,” Ms Reid said.

Cool rooms due to be delivered on May 15 to cool supplies for the walk have been rerouted to the RSPCA’s Malaga headquarters, to cut the amount of diesel fuel required. However, the cool rooms will still require power when they are moved to the site on Saturday.

In previous years, the Million Paws Walk had been located in a different area of the South Perth foreshore, where a secondary power box provided power. This year, the walk was moved further down the foreshore where there was more parking for punters and their pets.

Ms Reid estimates about 10,000 people will make it to Sir James Mitchell Park with their four-legged friends.

“We’re hoping to break last year’s record of 10,000 people,” she said.

In light of recent rain, Ms Reid said “mother nature looks as though she’ll be giving us a fine 25 degree day!”

Registration is at 8am on Sunday, and the walk commences at 10am. All creatures, great and small, are invited ... with their owners.