More than 80 dogs and their owners tackled mud baths and obstacles to raise in excess of £5000 for Animals in Distress in an event last month.

Hounds and their handlers were soaked in a water dip and covered in mud as they tackled the 3km Muddy Mutts Sponsored Dog Walk at Powderham Castle - the first time the event has taken place there. Previously the event has been held at the River Dart Country Park.

Everyone who took part completed the course, which consisted of commando crawling and dog-friendly obstacles such as jumps, tunnels, weaves and temptation alley games. Owners were able to hose their hounds down after the event with dog washing facilities at the end of the course.

Clare Meir, Fundraising Officer, said ‘Everyone had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The event has raised an incredible £5,185 for the animals in our care. We would like to thank everyone who took part and their sponsors.’

‘A special thank you to our wonderful volunteers, to our wonderful friends at Woofstock UK and to Powderham Castle for hosting this amazing event. We are already looking forward to next year’s event.’

All the proceeds from the muddy challenge will go to help the homeless dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs at the Animals in Distress rescue centre in Ipplepen. The charity has been inundated in recent years as a result of the increase in the cost of living and the aftermath of lockdown.