Time to paws for a second and spot Exeter’s giant pooches

Published: 31 May 2022

Giant dogs are starting to appear across Exeter as part of a new city-wide art trail.

Ferne Animal Sanctuary are bringing a number of 5ft painted dog sculptures to Devon’s capital city to raise awareness and understanding of the responsibilities of pet ownership.

Paws Around Exeter will also help promote Exeter as a dog friendly city with sustainable transport and encouraging a healthy active lifestyle, as well as raising essential funds for the Sanctuary.

The sculptures will be well trained and sit around the city streets from May through to August.

A spokesperson from Ferne Animal Sanctuary said: “These unique, eye catching sculptures will really stand out and are sure to draw a crowd!”

Organisers are hoping the painted dogs – brought to the city in conjunction with Visit Exeter and other partners - will encourage both local residents and visitors to experience all that Exeter has to offer, driving extra footfall across the city.

“Each of our dogs will be individually designed and painted by fantastic local artists,” added the spokesperson.

In September, the dogs will all go home to Ferne in time for its annual Dog Show to enable Sanctuary visitors and potential bidders to see them before a charity auction in October.

You can find out more about the Paws Round Exeter project on their website: ferneanimalsanctuary.org/our-dog-sponsors

To find out more about Exeter as a dog friendly city visit the Visit Exeter website at visitexeter.com/things-to-do/activities/dog-friendly