The Wellington Lions can expect their home crowd to bark plenty of orders, literally, when they host Canterbury at Westpac Stadium on Sunday.
That’s because Wellington Rugby and their official 2017 charity partner SPCA are inviting Lions fans to bring their dogs to the game in what will be a historic Mitre 10 Cup moment.
Crouch, Paws, Engage! as the day is being dubbed, will allow fans to bring their beloved hounds along to share the experience and help them bark orders at their favourite team.
SPCA Marketing and Fundraising Team Leader Vicky Hale said it was a great opportunity to raise awareness of the work of the SPCA and for people to enjoy the rugby with the whole family.
“Dogs are a big part of people’s lives and their families, so for owners to be able to take them along to something they love, and share that experience is great.”
SPCA collectors will be accepting donations on the day to help support their work in protecting and caring for abused, neglected and vulnerable animals in the community.
“Every year, the SPCA protects over 46,000 animals across the country and we’re thrilled the Lions have got in behind our cause
Wellington Lions captain Brad Shields said the team were happy to support a great cause.
“A lot of the guys own dogs or have had dogs in their families so there are a lot of animal lovers in the team. It’s usually the captains and the referees barking the orders on game day, but I guess they won’t be the only ones on Sunday.”
Wellington Rugby Commercial and Marketing Manager Shane Binnie said the unique event, the first of its kind in New Zealand, wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation of Westpac Stadium management.
“It was a big idea and they’ve been great! They’ve kept an open mind to the concept and together have created a unique opportunity that is going to be a fun for everyone involved.”
“We really admire the innovation from the Wellington Lions and we are happy to support this initiative”, said Westpac Stadium Chief Executive Shane Harmon. “It should be a fun day for fans”.
Dog owners wanting to bring their “best friends” to the match will need to purchase a valid ticket or hold a Wellington Lions membership.
One dog per person, dog owners must be over the age of 18. Dogs must have current registration tags to gain entry to the Stadium.
Dogs must be kept on a lead and under control of the owner at all times.
Dogs and owners will be seated in the special dog zone (aisles 14 & 15) on the Western side of the Stadium. General admission will remain on the Eastern side.
Dog owners and anyone wishing to enter the dog zone will be required to sign a waiver at the gate entry. No unaccompanied minors are allowed in the dog zone.
Special conditions apply to bringing your pooch along on game day, so be sure to visit www.wellingtonlions.co.nz for full details.
Your dog’s welfare is a priority for us. Dogs must be social with other dogs and people and be comfortable in a busy environment – this may not be something for all dogs.
Wellington Animal Services will be on site to monitor dog and owner behaviour, water and relief stations will be provided on the concourse for the pets.
FURTHER KEY INFORMATION
Crouch, paws, engage event information and FAQs >>
Crouch, paws, engage Waiver Form >>
A note from Metlink
Travelling with a disability assist dog on Metlink Trains:
- You may travel on our vehicles with your certified disability assist dog in accordance with the Dog Control Act 1996.
- You must comply with our staff’s reasonable instructions regarding your disability assist dogs. Dogs must travel on the floor of the vehicle and not on your lap or on a seat/s.
- Otherwise, we do not allow animals to travel on our vehicles.
Any questions regarding train information, please contact Metlink.