British Veterinarian Completes 621km Run Across Sri Lanka to Support Street Dogs

British veterinarian Janey Lowes, founder of WECare Worldwide, has completed an extraordinary 621-kilometre run across Sri Lanka, raising funds for a new animal hospital dedicated to treating the country’s vulnerable street dogs.

The challenging journey, titled ‘Dog Jog’, took Lowes from Point Pedro, the northernmost point of Sri Lanka, to Dondra, the southernmost point, passing through the island’s scenic but demanding hill country.

Launched on October 9, the initiative aims to raise funds for a proposed £1.6 million animal hospital that will strengthen veterinary care for street dogs in Sri Lanka.

A Journey of Determination and Compassion

Announcing the completion of her journey on social media, Lowes described the experience as the journey of a lifetime, expressing amazement at having completed the demanding distance.

“I ran 621km, through the hill country, from the northernmost point of Sri Lanka back to my home at the southernmost point. I can’t actually believe I’m saying that,” she said.

Acknowledging the physical and mental challenges of the run, she also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the friends who supported and encouraged her, particularly during the final stages.

“It was such a mind-blowing end to the journey of a lifetime and I will NEVER, EVER forget today because of you all,” she added.

Beyond the personal achievement, the run has drawn attention to the ongoing need for accessible veterinary services and improved animal welfare in Sri Lanka.

A Mission Dedicated to Street Animals

Originally from Barnard Castle in County Durham, England, Lowes left her life in the United Kingdom to dedicate herself to caring for injured, sick and vulnerable street animals in Sri Lanka.

She founded WECare Worldwide, a charity committed to improving the welfare of street dogs through free veterinary treatment, sterilisation programmes and rabies vaccinations.

The organisation's work addresses several challenges affecting Sri Lanka’s street dog population, including untreated injuries, preventable diseases and uncontrolled breeding.

Through its initiatives, WECare Worldwide seeks to provide animals with access to essential medical care while supporting longer-term solutions to improve their welfare.

Turning an Endurance Challenge into Lasting Impact

The proposed £1.6 million animal hospital represents an important next step in the organisation’s efforts to expand veterinary services for street animals.

By undertaking the 621-kilometre challenge, Lowes has used an extraordinary personal commitment to draw attention to a cause that often receives limited visibility.

Her journey across Sri Lanka demonstrates how individual determination can help bring communities together around animal welfare, while highlighting the importance of sustainable veterinary infrastructure.

Having completed the demanding run from Point Pedro to Dondra, Lowes has reached the finish line of ‘Dog Jog’. However, the wider mission continues, with the fundraising initiative focused on turning the proposed animal hospital into a reality.

For Sri Lanka’s street dogs, the achievement represents more than an endurance milestone. It is a call for greater compassion, care and commitment towards animals that depend on human kindness.