The GSPCA is taking part in the Oil Spill Preparedness Plans tested for wildlife this week
Submitted by GSPCA on 12:05, 10th Sep, 2013 |
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Oil spill training for wildlife organisations and those involved in helping to alleviate the effects on wildlife of a major oil pollution incident will take place at the Guernsey Society Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) as part of the States of Guernsey preparedness measures on Wednesday 11th September 2013.
Representatives from the local vets, animal shelter, La Societe Guernesiaise, Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB), Guernsey Association for Shooting and Conservation, relevant States Departments as well as colleagues from Alderney and Jersey will attend the half day event which is aimed at improving the island’s preparedness for responding to an oiled wildlife incident.
Specialist advice will be provided by Sea Alarm and the RSPCA, who will suggest best practice guidance as well as first-hand experience of dealing with oiled wildlife. The risk of a marine pollution incident is rated as very high in the emergency planning Bailiwick Risk Register.
Luckily large scale emergencies happen very infrequently but it pays to be prepared. The States of Guernsey therefore has an emergency plan for major oil spill events – “The Bailiwick Marine Counter Pollution Plan” which sets out how the responding agencies will coordinate their activities and what assistance and expertise is available. Training and exercise opportunities for major oil spills are arranged on a regular basis to ensure the island is suitably prepared.
The Home Department Emergency Planning Officer, Catherine Veron explains: “Guernsey has a Marine Counter Pollution Plan which sets out how we would respond to a major oil spill. However, training is an important part of preparedness and today’s event will provide an opportunity for relevant organisations to share their expertise and ensure we are well prepared for such an event. I am delighted that both Sea Alarm and the RSPCA are able to support this event”.
The States Veterinary Officer, David Chamberlain said: “No-one wants to see a major spill of oil or other substances washing ashore on Guernsey but the risk of this occurring has been assessed to be very high. It is therefore prudent for local organisations to collaborate with experienced international organisations to formulate a plan to protect the welfare of local wildlife. The Guernsey Animal Welfare Ordinance (2012) makes provision for the treatment or euthanasia of affected wildlife, whichever is assessed to be most appropriate for each individual.”
The Sea Alarm Foundation is a Non Government Organisation based in Brussels who focus on oiled wildlife preparedness and response throughout Europe. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is the UK's largest animal welfare charity. They rescue, rehabilitate and rehome hundreds of thousands of animals each year in England and Wales.
In addition to the above event, Oil Spill Response is providing further training for those involved in cleaning up the foreshore after a major oil spill. A practical session will be held at Havelet Bay on the afternoon of Tuesday 10th September 2013 for staff from States Works, Guernsey Harbour, Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service, Civil Protection, GSPCA as well as colleagues from the other Channel Islands. Members of the public are advised that some areas of the beach may not be as easy to access whilst the training is being carried out.
The GSPCA are pleased to be part of these events and is delighted to be part the Guernsey and the Bailiwick are ready if ever an Oil Spill Disaster did occur.
The GSPCA rescue and rehabilitate oiled birds all through the year and Shelter staff have helped with a number of diisasters over the years.
To see one of the recent birds helped by the Shelter please
With only a few days to go to the Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday and the last of the Seafront Sundays for 2013 here is a list of just some of the events and times -
8am Seafront Road closes for setting up of the Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday
9.45am Stall holders to have their vehicles off of the Seafront unless permission has been pre arranged
10.00am Military parade along the Seafront to the Town Church
To see the Newsletter all about the Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday please
With over 40 stalls including Charities, Island Dog Training Club, Guernsey Kennel Club, Market stalls, all types of food on offer, Pupcake Making, kids games, bouncies, Giant Animal Mascot Racing, Kids Fancy Dress, Live Music, a Fun Dog Show, Pet Photo Picture Show to bring your animal pictures down for and much more we are looking forward welcoming you to the second Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager and Event Organisor said 'After the success of last years event we are really excited about the second Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday.'
'This truly a local event to celebrate the animals of Guernsey and we're hoping that we'll see hundreds of local dogs in the Fun Dog Show, lots of pictures of local pets, lots of people dressed up as animals and of course a few local animals from the Shelter and other organisations.'
'We are also pleased to be part of the Church Parade who will march through our event along the Seafront at 10am which is when it all starts.'
There are still plenty of Mascot Suits to fill and space for a couple of extra stalls so for more information please contact Steve Byrne at the Shelter.
To donate to Nouska the Husky's operation and the other animals in need please call 01481 257261, pop into the Shelter in St Andrews or click on the Paypal link below and reference 'Nouska's Appeal'
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There are many items on the GSPCA's Wish List and you can see many of them by clicking here including a list of Amazon items which would make a difference to animals in Guernsey.
To download our latest newsletter or become a member of the GSPCA please
To download posters to help advertise some of the animals looking for homes please
The following are events planned for 2013
Every Tuesday during term time between 10.30am and 12pm at the GSPCA we have a coffee morning with bric-a-brac and pet supplies on sale (free entry) also guided tours at £5 per person minimum donation available at 11am. Please click here for more details
Reservoir Dogs Sponsored Walk - Produced by Sidney’s Sponsored Events - Directed by Steve Byrne - Sunday 22nd September click here for more details.
4th October - World Animal Day - more details to follow
Wednesday 9th October 6.30pm - Volunteer Induction Evening at the Animal Shelter
Car Boot Sale at Alliance Car Park with M.E.N.F.U.N Sunday morning on the 6th October
Art Exhibition of Art Work from Mark Bayliss at the GSPCA Animal Shelter 19th October until 24th October - Free Entry but donations welcomed - 9am - 6pm with a few late evening openings planned
Art Auction at St Pierre Park Hotel Thursday 24th October Sponsored by the Heritage Group. Starts 7.45pm. If you book a meal at the Victor Hugo Restaurant at the St Pierre Park Hotel then a donation from every meal will be made to the GSPCA. Also the Pavilion will be opening on the evening with their Tennerfest menu and they too are donating proceeds from each meal to the GSPCA.
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