1000 Paws Walk for SPCAs Delivers Fun, Funds, and Fantastic Prizes!

Photo Credit: Jennifer Miller

It was a barking good time out at the Hill’s 1000 Paws Walk for SPCAs event, which attracted hundreds of dogs, pet owners, and children for a day of fun to raise vital funds for the Mooi River & District, uMngeni, and Pietermaritzburg SPCA branches which do invaluable work for animals in need.

Midlands, South Africa (11 June 2025) – A bouncing, happy crowd of almost 350 pooches and 516 owners (and LOTS of undocumented excited kiddies) attended the Hill’s 1000 Paws Walk for SPCAs event held at the Highgate Wine Estate near Howick on Sunday, 1 June.

Now in its 16^th year, this annual celebration of pooch paws and claws is held to raise funds for the three SPCAs that protect the animals of the area: the Mooi River & District, uMngeni, and Pietermaritzburg SPCA branches.

There was something for everyone as the 1000 Paws Walk visitors enjoyed the scenic countryside and 2km and 4km walks, plus stalls and live music by the marimba band from local school Cowan House. There were also plenty of dog-themed arena events, a Fun Zone agility course, and tasty goodies from the SPCA’s refreshments marquee.

In addition to the event, the Paws programme includes a schools collection tin competition and a raffle. Many snapped up last-minute raffle tickets just before the winners were drawn at the event- at just R10 a ticket, it was worth the chance of winning!

The top winners included Laura Fleischack, who won the top prize of a 2-night stay for two at the Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa, worth R11,680.

PRO for the Hill’s 1000 Paws Walk for SPCAs, Gaynor Lawson, expressed his appreciation to everyone who attended and to everyone who made the event a success.

“We are especially grateful to the Kassier family, Rudi and his daughter Cathryn and her husband Tom Herselman, who allow us to use their magnificent Highgate Wine Estate for our event. The 1000 Paws steering committee also thanks the teams from our amazing sponsors, namely Hill’s Pet Nutrition, N3TC, and Safire Insurance (whose team members give up their Sunday to host the water tables), who are such a major part of our Paws programme’s success.

“A huge thank you to every person who contributed to making this such a magical day. Those wanting to contribute financially are still able to donate to this fabulous fundraising programme, with 18A tax certificates issued on request for those who donate R500 or more.”

Donations can be made to the baking details below: