Hugh Jackman and Red Dog top Australians’ wish-list

A new poll has shown that dog-lover Hugh Jackman and film star Red Dog are the celebrities who most Australians would like to meet, or have a drink with, as the month of Yappy Hour gets underway.

The poll, released today by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), marks Yappy Hour (www.yappyhour.org.au ) – a chance for all animal-loving Australians to host a variety of social events to raise funds to protect animals around the world.

The choice of both dog-owning Jackman and Red Dog shows that animal-crazy Australians will continue to flock to sign up for Yappy Hour, an initiative that supports WSPA’s vital work.

Over 4 in 10 (43%) Australians would most like to have a drink with Jackman, way ahead of Anh Do (21%), Hamish Blake (20%), Nicole Kidman (19%) and Jennifer Hawkins (19%). Australian women are, unsurprisingly, more likely to want to have a drink with Hugh Jackman than men (45 vs. 40%).

“We’re delighted that a dog-lover and an iconic Australian dog came out on top of this poll – it really shows people’s passion for our precious pets. But even if Hugh Jackman or Red Dog are not able to come round for a drink, WSPA’s Yappy Hour offers the chance for a fun and easy way to share your passion for animals with friends and family,” says Rafi Cooper, Head of Communications, WSPA Australia.

“We want people to have a bit of fun, but also to realise just how simple it can be to host a yappy hour and join us in protecting millions of animals around the world.”

Hosting a Yappy Hour is as easy as organising an afternoon tea at work; lunch at your place; a pet party in the park; casual drinks after work. Yappy Hour runs until November 2.

The top ten Aussies who people wanted to go for a drink with were:

1. Hugh Jackman
2. Anh Do
3. Hamish Blake
4. Nicole Kidman
5. Jennifer Hawkins
6. Russell Crowe
7. Cate Blanchett
8. Dr Chris Brown
9. Miranda Kerr
10. Delta Goodrem

Nearly three in ten (28%) Australians would most like to meet Red Dog. This is followed by Lassie (17%) and Skippy (15%). Older Australians (50 years or older) are more likely to want to meet Red Dog than their younger counterparts. Younger Australians are significantly more likely to want to meet the famous internet sensation, Grumpy Cat.

The top five famous animals who Australians would like to meet are:

· Red Dog
· Lassie
· Skippy
· Willy (from Free Willy)
· Babe

*Animals can be fictional or real, alive or passed.
For more information about WSPA Australia visit www.wspa.org.au