Southwold Sausage Dog Event Draws Over 1000 Dachshunds

Over a thousand dachshunds and their owners gathered in Southwold, Suffolk, for the annual sausage dog event, which featured a mile-long walk from the harbor to the pier. Organized by Laura Baggott, this year's gathering aimed to raise awareness for intervertebral disc disease, common among the breed, and nearly faced cancellation due to health and safety concerns before receiving last-minute approval from the council. The event, now in its seventh year, previously set a world record with 2,238 dachshunds in attendance in 2022. Participants came from as far away as Florida, highlighting the event's growing popularity and community spirit. Baggott expressed pride in the event's success, noting the friendly atmosphere and plans for future growth, including ambitions for a 10th-anniversary statue of a dachshund. The event showcased the strong bond between owners and their pets, with many expressing joy in being part of such a unique celebration.