The event received 323 entries which included special entries coming from the Animal Welfare Society (AWS), a non-profit organisation that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes animals in need. This was the first time the OUTsurance Gun Run took place following a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.
The Pet Walk started in Stephan Way in Green Point at 08:30 on Saturday and finished at the Green Point Common opposite the Green Point Cricket Club.
The special participants
Official OUTsurance Gun Run beneficiary, Animal Welfare Society selected thirteen dogs, eight male and five female, to enter the 5km pet walk. The dogs all displayed ‘adopt me’ logos on their AWS branded raincoats or bandanas. ‘We are all excited – this is a huge event and opportunity for us, and we are so grateful,’ said AWS Inspectorate Controller, Shannon-Lee Beukes.
‘We would love to see more of our dogs homed – and this is a good opportunity to get them out there and meet people who might adopt them. It will also be a fun activity for them to get out for the day.
‘We have almost 50 dogs up for adoption at AWS and Lawrence Nkotha, who is in charge of our adoption programme, selected dogs who will get along best with other dogs and people,’ Beukes continued. “I understand that several hundred [people] have entered the Pet Walk, and we are hoping some of them might use this as an opportunity to consider expanding their family!
Animal Welfare set up an activation at the Start and Finish precinct on Saturday and Sunday, with the slogan ‘Let’s give them a new leash on life’ displayed. ‘We are determined to take full advantage of the Pet Walk,’ said AWS Head of Communications, Resource Development and Fundraising, Allan Perrins.
Beukes and AWS Animal Care Centre Supervisor Lawrence Nkotha walked some of the dogs while other volunteers assisted in walking the remainder of the dogs.
Donation made
An amount of R103 044 was donated to the AWS by the 2022 OUTsurance Gun Run. These funds were used to support the nutrition and care of the adoption dogs with a significant amount going towards the implementation of a mass pet sterilisation project in Gugulethu.
‘Our CEO, Dr McMullen is passionate about [this] project,’ said Perrins. 'There is clearly a big need there and this project will leave a great legacy.’
‘We’re happy to be back for the 28th anniversary of the OUTsurance Gun Run and to be able to launch the all-new 5km Pet Walk,’ said OUTsurance Chief Marketing Officer, Carl Louw.
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