There were a string of competitions – best working dog, most obedient dog, best dressed dog, funniest dog and similar contests.

Organiser Brigitte Burridge said the funds raised would go to the RSPCA.

She said it was a wonderful day: “Lots of dogs. Lots of people. Everybody had a great day. Beautiful weather.”

One of their tasks is to rescue dogs which have been cruelly treated. She said there were a number of such “rescue dogs” there on Sunday and that, she said, was gratifying.

The RSPCA has recently been active in tackling the treatment of dogs at so-called puppy farms which breed dogs in order to sell them as pets. The industry does not always treat puppies well, according to the animal welfare organisation.

On Sunday, the cost of entry to the dog walk was $2 per person or $5 per family and $5 per dog.

On top of that, to raise money there was a raffle and other fund-raising events, including stalls, competitions and merchandise.

 “Come and join us at Australia's biggest Doggy Day Out!”, they said.

The day culminated in a walk of the dogs around the parks of Glen Innes.

There was a barbecue.

No hot dogs, just a sausage sizzle..