Submitted by Steve on 15:19, 21st Jul, 2023 | 0

Every year we hear of firework related incidents involving animals and children. While fireworks may be exciting and pretty to look at and its fun to celebrate many celebrations with a bang, we must put our safety, the safety of our pets and the local wildlife first. 

Tonight as part of the Harbour Carnival at 2200hrs (10pm) at Castle Breakwater in St Peter Port there are firework displays planned so please ensure your animals are safe and prepare for the unusual sounds and sights they might be subjected too.

From all at the GSPCA we hope everyone has an enjoyable and safe Harbour Carnival.

Here is some firework advice from the GSPCA -

The Firework Code

  • Keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin
  • Use them one at a time, replacing the lid immediately
  • NEVER put fireworks in your pocket
  • Read the instructions carefully, using a torch or hand lamp NEVER use a naked flame
  • Light fireworks at arms length using a taper or a firework lighter
  • Stand well back and NEVER return to a firework after it has been lit, it could explode in your face
  • Ensure that all children with fireworks are well supervised
  • NEVER throw fireworks
  • Keep all pets and animals indoors
  • Take care of sparklers, wear gloves to hold them and dispose of sparklers in a bucket of water as soon as they are finished

The Animal Firework Code - The GSPCA would like to urge every one to follow our Animal Friendly Firework Code and protect your pets and the local wildlife.

  • Please make sure that your pets are wearing a collar with an identity tag in case they manage to escape from your home. We would also strongly advise that you have your pets microchipped as this enables us to reunite them with you much more easily should they run away. Please call the GSPCA for further details on having your animal microchipped.
  • Walk your dog during the day and as soon as it gets dark keep your dog or cat inside. Ensure all of the windows and doors are locked including dog and cat flaps.
  • Go to an organised display if you can, however don’t take your dog.  If you are going out then draw your curtains, put the television or radio on and provide you pet with a safe hiding place so they feel secure.
  • If you are having a private firework display then build your bonfire as late as possible to reduce the likelihood of any wildlife taking up residence. Before lighting the fire check the area thoroughly for hedgehogs. We are always saddened by the number of hedgehogs we receive that have suffered severe burns.  Do not light fires or set off fireworks near trees where birds are likely to be roosting.
  • Please notify your neighbours of your intentions. Especially the elderly and those who have pets.
  • When horses are startled they are likely to bolt and can suffer serious injuries. Ensure that all horses, ponies and donkeys are securely stabled with the doors closed.
  • Remember to bring guinea pigs and rabbits inside or place under cover in an out building. 
  • If you know that you pet is frightened by loud noises such as fireworks or has an existing heart condition please contact your vet for advice.
  • Please clean up after firework parties. Litter is hazardous to domestic and wild animals.

    Remember NEVER let fireworks off near animals.

 

Help us to continue to keep them safe!

Thankfully the incidents of animals being injured by fireworks & bonfires in Guernsey are few and far between; but we mustn’t get too complacent. Below are some basic guidelines that will enable you to help all of our furry and feathered friends to stay calm and safe on and around Bonfire night.

To notify us of your event please email the team at the GSPCA and we can add your firework display to our calendar. Please let us know the location, date and times it is planned for and also if it is public or a private event.

To let us know please call 01481 257261 or if you could email the following addresses one of the team will add it as soon as we can [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

To help please cut and paste the following and input the details -

Location of event:
Date of firework event:
Time planned to start:
Time planned to end:
Is the event public or private:
Any other helpful details:

Thank you for helping us help pet owners in Guernsey.

To see the States website and calendar for firework events please visit - https://www.gov.gg/fireworks

GSPCA Firework Advice

Fireworks are exciting and pretty to look at and it is fun to celebrate Guy Fawkes with a bang, but for our furry and feathered friends this time of year can be a nightmare. Many animals domestic and wild suffer needlessly every year.

The GSPCA would like to urge everyone follow our animal friendly firework code and protect your pets and the local wildlife.

  • Please make sure that your pets are wearing a collar with an identity tag in case they manage to escape from your home. We would also strongly advise that you have your pets microchipped as this enables us to reunite them with you much more easily should they run away. Please call the GSPCA for further details on having your animal microchipped.
  • Walk your dog during the day.
  • As soon as it gets dark keep your dog or cat inside. Ensure all of the windows and doors are locked including dog and cat flaps.
  • Go to an organised display if you can. If you are having a private firework display then build you bonfire as late as possible to reduce the likelihood of any wildlife taking up residence. Before lighting the fire check the area thoroughly for hedgehogs. We are always saddened by the number of hedgehogs we receive that have suffered severe burns. 
  • Please notify your neighbours of your intentions. Especially the elderly and those who have pets.
  • When horses are startled they are likely to bolt and can suffer serious injuries. Ensure that all horses, ponies and donkeys are securely stabled with the doors closed.
  • Remember to bring guinea pigs and rabbits inside or place under cover in an out building. 
  • Don’t take your dog to a firework display. If you are going out then draw your curtains, put the television or radio on and provide you pet with a safe hiding place so they feel secure.
  • If you know that your pet is frightened by loud noises such as fireworks or has an existing heart condition please contact your vet for advice. They may suggest you try an Appeasing Pheromone such as ADAPTIL or Feliway diffusers or may discuss the use of sedatives; depending on your pet’s needs.
  • Please clean up after firework parties. Litter is hazardous to domestic and wild animals.

Remember NEVER let fireworks off near animals.

Note: ADAPTIL and Feliway products are on sale at the Shelter and have proven to be very effective in calming anxious pets. You should purchase the product as soon as you can for maximum effectiveness on and around Fireworks night. The GSPCA is keen to help owners reduce their pet’s anxieties and now offers these products for almost 50% less than other outlets.


If you require further advice please contact the GSPCA on 257261

Donate

Donate by calling  01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or online https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

GSPCA Celebrates 150 years in 2023

This year the GSPCA celebrate 150 years and to find out more please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years

Sponsored Event

Why not create your own sponsored event or challenge - https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

For lots more ideas why not visit our fundraising page www.gspca.org.gg/fundraising

Wish List

Check out our wish list page from the smallest of items to our biggest of projects there are many ways to support us - http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list

To visit our Amazon Wish list to see some of the items we need to help the wildlife please visit - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/25MJPPDAGXHL1?type=WishList

GSPCA BIG Build Appeal

We currently have 3 BIG Builds we are appealing for support for.

To donate to the Welfare Kennels https://giving.gg/donate/event/9443/GSPCA-New-Kennel-Build

To donate to the Ferret Department https://giving.gg/donate/event/9443/GSPCA-New-Kennel-Build

To donate to the Wildlife Hospital https://giving.gg/donate/event/4618/Please-Support-the-GSPCA-Wildlife-Hospital-Appeal

To Buy a Brick in the new Wildlife Hospital and download a leaflet please click here - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Buy%20a%20Brick%20Wildlife%20Hospital.pdf

Larger donors or corporates may want to make a larger donation and become an Exclusive Build Partner and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-exclusive-build-partner

Legacies & Bequests

By leaving a gift to the GSPCA in your Will really helps us to improve the lives of animals into the future.  After providing for those you care for, please consider leaving a proportion of what remains to the GSPCA it is so appreciated and makes a real lasting legacy.

A gift like this to the GSPCA ensures our animals and those in Guernsey will always have someone to keep them safe. To find out more please http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding 

Gift Aid on Donations over £500

To find out about the States of Guernsey tax relief information on gift aid up to 2020 on donations totalling between £500 and £5000 please see the details by going to https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=2617&p=0

2021 gift aid is from £500 and up to £7500 and here are the details - https://www.gov.gg/article/151830/Income-tax-relief

To download the form to claim for 2020 or before please follow this link https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=1994&p=0

Become a sponsor and GSPCA member

Why become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor and support our work each month please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf

To become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf  

Share our posts and follow us on social media

Many of you will have seen us on social media and your support liking and sharing our posts is really appreciated, and to visit our social media pages please go to

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GuernseySPCA

Twitter https://twitter.com/GSPCA

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gspca-guernsey-965b0751/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gspca_guernsey/

Subscribe to our Supporters Newsletter

To subscribe to our supporters newsletter and find out about upcoming events and news please go to https://us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9324335c87c8b3ec9f0016f2a&id=e61c951a08

Below are our usual opening times but these are occasionally adjusted to ensure we provide the best of care for the animals and those needing our 24/7 help, in an emergency please call 01481 257261

 

Reception & Shop area

Collecting/Dropping Off Boarding Dogs & Cats

Viewing animals for adoption

Emergencies Call 257261 or the Shelter is manned 24/7

GSPCA Charity Shop in Smith Street

Monday’s

9am – 5pm

11am – 4pm

11am – 4pm

 24/7

8am - 530pm

Tuesday’s

9am – 5pm

11am – 4pm

11am – 4pm

 24/7

8am - 530pm

Wednesday’s

9am – 5pm

11am – 4pm

11am – 4pm

24/7

8am - 530pm

Thursday’s

9am – 5pm

11am – 4pm

11am – 4pm

24/7

8am - 530pm

Friday’s

9am – 5pm

11am – 4pm

11am – 4pm

 24/7

8am - 530pm

Saturday’s

9am – 5pm

11am – 4pm

11am – 4pm

 24/7

8am - 530pm

Sunday’s

11am – 4pm

11am – 4pm

11am – 4pm

 24/7

Closed

Bank Holiday’s

(**Varied times**)

**Possibly 11am – 4pm**

**Possibly 11am – 4pm**

**Possibly 11am – 4pm**

24/7

Closed unless advertised

 

Upcoming Events we are at and need your help -

Are you supporting the GSPCA our 150th year? Here are a few ways you could get involved | GSPCA Guernsey

April - August 2023 Autism Guernsey and GSPCA Puffin Parade https://puffinparade.org.gg/

Wednesday 12th July 2023 – Volunteer Induction Evening

Sunday 16th July 2023 – World Snake Day

Thursday 20th July 2023 -GSPCA AGM https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/136th-gspca-agm-150-year-celebrations-awards-new-plans-thursday-20th-july-2023-7pm-arrival-anim

Guided Tour - Monday, July 24, 2023 2:00PM https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-educational-guided-tours-tickets-627157002477

Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th July 2023 – Torteval Scarecrow Festival

Guided Tour - Monday, July 31, 2023 2:00PM https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-educational-guided-tours-tickets-627157002477

6th August 2023 EDABL Seafront Sunday

Guided Tour - Monday, August 7, 2023 2:00PM https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-educational-guided-tours-tickets-627157002477

13th August 2023 EDABL Seafront Sunday

Monday 14th August 2023 – World Lizard Day

Guided Tour - Monday, August 14, 2023 2:00PM https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-educational-guided-tours-tickets-627157002477

12th August 2023 – South Show and Fun Dog Show

16th and 17th August 2023 – West Show - https://thewestshow.com/

Guided Tour - Monday, August 21, 2023 2:00PM https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-educational-guided-tours-tickets-627157002477  

23rd and 24th August 2023 – North Show - https://northshow.org.gg/

Guided Tour - Monday, August 28, 2023 2:00PM https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-educational-guided-tours-tickets-627157002477  

September 2023 - World Animal Remembrance Month

Guided Tour - Monday, September 4, 2023 2:00PM https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-educational-guided-tours-tickets-627157002477

Wednesday 13th September 2023 - Volunteer Induction Evening

24th September 2023 St Johns Ambulance Seafront Sunday

GSPCA 150th Year Ball – Saturday 30thj September 2023 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-150th-ball-tickets-671377226357?aff=oddtdtcreator

October 2023 - World Animal Month

Wednesday 4th October 2023 - World Animal Day

Wednesday 25th October 2023 - Volunteer Induction Evening

Wednesday 8th November 2023 – GSPCA Dog First aid Course

Wednesday 15th November 2023 – GSPCA Cat First aid Course

Wednesday 22nd November 2023 – Volunteer Induction Evening

Monday 4th December 2023 – World Wildlife Conservation Day

Many more events will be added and dates to be confirmed and if you have any events or ideas to celebrate our 150 years please get in touch…………..

 

 

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