“The safety and enjoyment of visitors to Suffolk Dog Day comes first whether on two legs or four. This has always been fundamental to the principles of this much loved annual event. Having sought the opinion of experts and key stakeholders, it was felt that high standards of safety could not be guaranteed and the associated risks to the general public were too high.

 

Sincere apologies are offered for the disappointment and disruption that this may cause to all loyal Suffolk Dog Day supporters who we know will feel sad to hear this news, which is fully supported by Edward Tollemache and the team at Helmingham Hall.

 

Our heartfelt thanks goes out to Suffolk Community Foundation’s dedicated volunteers, loyal sponsors, stallholders and supporters. We appreciate your understanding at this difficult time and we hope for your vital continued support in future years.

 

We look forward very much to welcoming everyone to Helmingham Hall in 2019 for the biggest, best and safest Suffolk Dog Day ever.”

You can read the full press statement here.

For further information, please call Suffolk Community Foundation on 01473 602602 or email Tim Holder, Head of Public Affairs on tim.holder@suffolkcf.org.uk

Skinners, the event’s main sponsor, also issued a statement in support of the decision:

“As a headline sponsor, Skinner’s fully supports the decision to cancel this year’s Suffolk Dog Day. As a pet food manufacturer, we take the welfare of dogs very seriously – the weather conditions of recent weeks have been extreme, and it would not have been in the best interest of dogs to attend such an event when taking into account the associated environmental risks which could have predisposed some dogs to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Skinner’s Pet Foods are proud to support the Suffolk Community Foundation, and the money that would have been spent on sponsoring this year’s event will continue to be donated to this worthwhile local charity.

We look forward to continuing our headline sponsorship of the Suffolk Dog Day in 2019 which we know will be the biggest and best event yet!”