Southsea seafront will turn into a sea of dogs as a Schnauzer group meet up for Halloween

‘South Coast Schnauzers' Facebook group was set up by David and Jane Rodrigues to provide people and their dogs with a social space, particularly during the lockdown when many people were isolated.

The Facebook group aims to raise money for the national charity called Schnauzerfest and annually it hosts a charity walk in which people across the country meet up with other Schnauzer owners to raise money as they walk.

The charity helps raise awareness of the world of commercial breeding and puppy farming, as well as providing vital rehabilitation for pooches that need help after being in a bad breeding environment.

David said: ‘The meet-up will certainly stop the seafront for a few hours, it will be a sight to see.’

They ensure that dogs are healthy for new owners to help rehome them, and David knows first hand how important it is after he rescued his dog, Buddy, from an Irish puppy farm.

David, 48, is dad to three Schnauzers, Lexi, Buddy and Colin, and after they hosted their first group walk, which saw a large number of people attend, the couple decided to make it a monthly occurrence, and this year alone they have raised £2,000 for the charity.

On October 30, the group will meet up at Southsea seafront to walk their pooches, who will be dressed in their finest Halloween outfits, and raise money for the charity.

The group is a good way for dog owners to become social and make friends.

David said: ‘When dogs are found, they are in a hell of a state, so the charity helps fund the vets to check them over and do any necessary operations.’

It is expected that the October meet up will see anywhere between 60 and 90 dogs and their owners turn up for the occasion.

David added: ‘It is something that everyone has to see and experience.’

The group will meet at Southsea dog park at 10am and will walk down to the Coffee Cup, where they will then turn around and head back.