TV actor launches dog walk

Hundreds of dogs of various breeds strolled around Royal Victoria Park today as they took part in Bath’s first ever Waggy Walk.

TV actor Anthony Head and his partner, This Morning’s animal expert Sarah Fisher, launched the event which aimed to raise vital funds for the Dogs Trust.

The pair, who live near Timsbury and took along their two-and-a half-year-old canine companion Cookie Dough Dynamo, are strong supporters of the charity which is concerned with the welfare of the animals.

Head, best known for his roles in Buffy and Merlin, said: “I think it is important to be here today to support the charity and do something active.

“They’re a great organisation and the more you look to understand dogs, the more we can look to help people who help look after the animals.”

Owners and their four-legged friends of all shapes and sizes could choose to walk the three or six mile route, which led them all around the park.

The event was one of 10 taking place across the UK.

Ms Fisher, an animal behaviour expert, encouraged more people to get involved in sponsored dog walks and said they were a brilliant way to raise money for charity.

She said: “Dogs help people to meet other people and go out and be active.

“Sponsored dog walking is a great way for people who may be lacking in a bit of confidence to meet others and learn more about how to care for their animals.”

Earlier this month the couple visited the charity's nearest rehoming centre near Salisbury, which cares for around 70 dogs at any one time.

And all the money raised from today's walk will help to provide for their care.

The organiser of Bath’s event Leslie Carley said: “Walks around the country raise awareness on the work we are doing as well as raising funds.

“We think it is important to promote responsible dog ownership and let people know how good being a dog owner can be.

“We are worried about the impact of the recession and we provide a lot of information about how people can safe money but still feed and look after their animals.”

Tracey Robbins of Warmley near Bristol joined in the walk with two friends and two Staffordshire Bull Terriers

She said: “I am here especially to promote the Staffordshire breed as they get such a bad reputation.

“Both of my dogs are therapy dogs and work at the hospital so they are very good.

“But they get a bad PR and are one of the dogs cared for in shelters most often as owners do not know what they are taking on and don’t know what the breed entails.”

Nicky Sumsion from Calne, who has so far raised £150 in sponsorship, was also taking part in the event with her three-year-old Beagle Simba.

She said: “I have always looked after rescue dogs and always supported them so it is good to get out and raise money for them.”

For more information on the organisation visit www.dogstrust.org.uk.