Ireland’s first ‘Pups in the Park’ doggie festival announces DSPCA as charity partner

Ireland’s first ‘Pups in the Park’ in association with Leader Dog Food, has announced the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) as the event’s official charity partner.

This ultimate doggie festival will take place for the first time from April 30th to May 1st in the beautiful surroundings of Malahide Castle.

Well-known personality and dog lover Rosanna Davison and TV vet Pete Wedderburn, both advocates of the work of the charity, were on hand to support the announcement.

The DSPCA was first established in 1840 and over the years have grown to be the leading animal welfare charity in Ireland.

They exist uniquely to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome sick, injured and cruelly treated animals.

The charity is supported and enhanced by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who help save lives every day.

As part of its partnership with the DSPCA, ‘Pups in the Park’ are encouraging ticket purchasers to donate €2 to the charity when booking their ticket.

The team and ambassadors from the DSPCA will also be on hand at the festival to lead people and their pooches in a series of DSPCA Great Dog Walks across the weekend.

The perfect chance for some puppy chit-chat!

Commenting on the announcement, Suzanne McGovern, of the DSPCA said:

“We are delighted to be the official charity partner of the inaugural ‘Pups in the Park’, which is set to be a really fun and unique day out for dogs and owners alike.

“As part of the event, visitors will have access to leading experts across a variety of different areas.

“Pets are family and this event is a lovely way to spoil them a little and have some fun.

“The support from the festival is hugely welcomed and will help the charity continue to raise awareness of the importance of animal welfare”.

‘Pups in the Park’ really does have something for everyone.

Visitors and their pooches can meet experts such as celebrity TV vet Pete Wedderburn or have a go at some fun activities and free to enter competitions such as Dogsercise, the Crave Dog Treats Hay Bale Race or Canine Pilates.

Alternatively, smaller furry friends can visit the Puppy Academy and Puppy Play Pen for some exciting workshops and games as part of their special day out.

Rob Walsh, the Dogfather, will be hosting classes and sharing his insights with dog lovers at the event, while attendees can pick up tips in best practice for canine care from a series of expert talks at the Chin-Wag talk stage with Petinsurance.ie.

For those pooches looking to simply relax and feel the wind in their fur, the off-leash area has lots of space to roam free with fellow canine companions!

The festival will also have some great dining options for the humans including Griolladh and Los Chicanos. Festival goers can even indulge in some re-tail therapy in the exhibitor’s area, where more than 30 vendors will be showcasing the very latest and greatest dog accessories, food, apparel, toys and more!

Aoife Meagher, from Leader Dog Food, headline sponsor of the festival said:

“The team at Leader are really thrilled to be involved with ‘Pups in the Park’.

“Animal welfare is something we as a leading Irish dog nutrition brand feel passionately about.

“We would encourage all dog lovers and their canine companions to come along to the event and have a fun and informative day out while also supporting a very special charity”.

Rosanna Davison added: “It is a pleasure to support today’s announcement and I would encourage dog lovers to get behind the event and raise funds for the DSPCA.

“A unique event, such as ‘Pups in the Park’, is a really wonderful opportunity for dog lovers and their pooches to create memories and have a really great day out”.

For further information or to purchase tickets visit pupsinthepark.ie