HOUNDS DAY OUT
Around a thousand dog lovers from across Perth are expected to gather for one of the biggest dog events of the year on Sunday morning. Hounds Day Out 2021, hosted by local greyhound advocacy group Free the Hounds, will run from 8.30am to 1pm at Burswood Park on Sunday 19 September.
Hounds Day Out is a greyhound-themed event for all dog breeds and dog lovers to enjoy. This will be the third Hounds Day Out and promises to be bigger and better than ever with more than four hours of entertainment and activities.
“Hounds Day Out is an important fundraiser for our organisation but more importantly it is a great opportunity to raise public awareness of greyhounds as companions and to combat the long-held image of them as race dogs”, said Free the Hounds Fundraising Coordinator, Julie McWhirter.
“These gentle dogs are so much more than disposable commodities. They make wonderful pets and are full of character and elegance”, said Mrs McWhirter who has four rescued greyhounds including 10-year-old Faith who survived the infamous Macau Canidrome race track.
Hounds Day Out includes a variety of dog-related stalls offering food, accessories and services for dogs and their owners. There will also be plenty of food truck options.
The event will kick-off with the Great Global Greyhound Walk at 8.30am, hosted by Greyhound Adoptions WA, followed by four hours of activities including a mega raffle, dog yoga, dog wash, paddling pools, photo booth, dog physiotherapy and bowen therapy and kids corner. Attendees will also be invited to enjoy birthday celebrations for greyhounds Ivy and Albi who are also Macau Canidrome survivors.
Competitions will run throughout the event including squat your dog, a canine-spin on the classic egg and spoon race, most treat catches, and a fashion parade hosted by renowned Perth pet photographer Alex Cearns of Houndstooth Studio.
Funds raised on the day will go towards Free the Hounds efforts to end greyhound racing in Western Australia. The groups position is that greyhound racing is outdated, inhumane and unsustainable and must be phased out as soon as possible.
Free The Hounds acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.
We are committed to building an inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity represented in our community. We welcome all people regardless of age, gender identity, ethnicity, ability, sexuality, faith, religion, and all other identities represented in our community.