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Thousands tackle 'walkies' record Thousands break 'walkies' record
(about 4 hours later)
Canine enthusiasts on Tyneside believe they have smashed the record for the world's biggest collective dog walk. Canine enthusiasts on Tyneside have smashed the record for the world's biggest collective dog walk.
Organisers of the Butcher's Great North Dog Walk in South Shields said there had been an "unbelievable turnout" on the annual 3.5 mile (5.6km) course. Over 10,000 dogs and their owners took part in an "unbelievable turnout" at the Butcher's Great North Dog Walk in South Shields.
The event has broken the Guinness World Record - currently 7,766 dogs - each year for the past four years, beating attempts by the USA and Canada. The event broke the Guinness World Record of 7,766 dogs, set at the event last year.
Founder Tony Carlisle said 9,128 had crossed the line by Sunday lunchtime. Founder Tony Carlisle said 10,272 had completed the 3.5 mile (5.6km) course on Sunday.
Walkers at South Shields have taken the world record 11 times since 1995, when 327 dogs took part. Walkers at South Shields have taken the world record 12 times since 1995, when 327 dogs took part.
I can't believe how many people have turned out. I'm looking at a sea of dogs and dog walkers. Tony Carlisle, founder If this happens every year then before long we're going to be bigger then the Great North Run Tony Carlisle, founder
Similar record attempts have been held in Texas, Connecticut and Toronto.Similar record attempts have been held in Texas, Connecticut and Toronto.
During the 2006 walk, 147 of the 209 breeds recognised by the Kennel Club completed the course. During the 2006 walk, 147 of the 209 breeds recognised by the Kennel Club completed the course. It is not yet known how many breeds took part this year.
Mr Carlisle, a local comprehensive schoolteacher, first organised the event in 1990, and has to date raised nearly £2.5m for charitable causes.Mr Carlisle, a local comprehensive schoolteacher, first organised the event in 1990, and has to date raised nearly £2.5m for charitable causes.
Speaking from the finishing line, he said: "I can't believe how many people have turned out today. I'm looking at a sea of dogs and dog walkers. Speaking from the finishing line, he said: "It's been my ambition for years to break the 10,000 mark.
"Obviously it's not yet official, but by my count 9,128 dogs have been walked across the line already, so the figure's likely to be much higher by the end of the day. "I'd like to thank everyone who turned up from across the UK. It's been absolutely fantastic and I can't believe so many people took part.
'Fantastic turnout' Official count
"We've got competition from the USA and Canada, but they've not been able to get anywhere near as many as us. This fantastic turnout should keep the record in the UK." "If this happens every year then before long we're going to be bigger then the Great North Run."
An official from Guinness is on hand to count the dogs, which are registered by their owners on arrival at the town's Gypsies Green Stadium. An official from Guinness was on hand to count the dogs, which were registered by their owners on arrival at the town's Gypsies Green Stadium.
Under the rules, all dogs must be on a lead, and any ill-tempered or dangerous breeds are muzzled. Under the rules, all dogs were required to be on a lead, and any ill-tempered or dangerous breeds were muzzled.
Vets, St John Ambulance staff and Northumbria Police are also on standby around the course. Vets, St John Ambulance staff and Northumbria Police were also on standby around the course.
The walk has come a long way since it was first held in 1990, when 13 dogs took part.