Hastings Racing Centre goes to the dogs

You would have to be barking mad to miss the Hastings and Districts SPCA Doggy Day Out on Saturday.

Now in its second year the event will be held at Hastings Racing Centre, with gates open from 10.30am.

It is set to be a fun day out with entertainment, competitions, spot prizes, stalls and a short walk around the Racetrack.

"Our event starts with a range of owner and dog competitions including an owner-dog look-alike, hairiest dog, most tongue exposure, waggiest tail, egg and spoon race, musical sit, saveloy retrieve and more," Fundraising Manager for Hastings and Districts SPCA, Faye Johnson said.

"This is a really exciting event for us, as not only are we encouraging the public to join us with their dogs for a fun, family day out, we also have the opportunity to raise much-needed funds for our branch."

A kapa haka group from Hastings Intermediate will also perform and there will be plenty of food stalls available.

The walk itself starts at 1pm and should take about 30 minutes at a leisurely pace. A prizegiving will be held at the end of the day.

SPCA asks that all dogs be kept on leads.

Earlybird tickets are $15 per family or $10 per person, available from HBS Bank. There will be gate sales on the day.