GEORGE NEWS - Dotsure, the insurance provider known locally for organising the annual Polar Bear Plunge and for their pet insurance TV adverts, has done it again. 

This time, they've brought a Guinness World Record to South Africa. 

Best of all, they've stolen it from the Aussies!

On Saturday 28 October, a massive group of enthusiastic dog lovers from all over Gauteng braved the inclement weather to assemble at The Big Red Barn farm venue in Pretoria, in support of the Doggy Day Out with Guinness World Records and Dotsure. 

The goal was to raise much-needed funds for the Animal Anti-Cruelty League, so that they can continue the outstanding work they do to combat animal abuse.

The aim of the event was to break the two-year-old record held by the RSPCA ACT (Australia) for the largest gathering of dogs wearing bandanas. 

The record set was a staggering 764, but with national pride at stake and fuelled by a burning desire to fight animal abuse, South Africans did not disappoint.

"The success of the record attempt was balanced on a knife edge leading up to the deadline," said Guinness World Records adjudicator, Pravin Patel, "…but I'm happy to report that the final count of bandana-wearing dogs was an impressive 765."

In the process, R24 500 was raised through the dog lovers' donations. Dotsure then matched the collection, resulting in a R49 000 donation to the Animal Anti-Cruelty League.

After the announcement, David Roache of Dotsure said, "Naturally, being a pet insurer, we care deeply about the well-being of all South African pets. 

"That's why we try to do our part by providing the best possible cover to our customers and by organising events like this in aid of combating animal cruelty.

"Thank you so much to everyone that came out in the cold today to help us break this record and raise much-needed funding for the AACL.

"You are all superstars."

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