Just over a week ago a coalition concerned about conflicting and poor information which is leaving owners confused and anxious and animals potentially at risk released some helpful advice for pet owners.
The group has produced a series of colourful graphics giving tips and advice on how to look after your pets while you protect yourself, how to care for pets while social distancing or in self-isolation and how to help others look after their animals. The group are urging pet-owners to share the easy to understand graphics across their networks. These will be also posted on the organisations’ websites – so owners get good, clear advice.
Since then further advice on walking someone else’s dog has been released and information for animal businesses.
Chris Laurence, chair of the Canine and Feline Sector Group, said: “We are concerned that rapidly changing and conflicting information was leaving pet owners confused and worried. Those of us who work with animals are concerned that this information could leave animals at risk as pets could end up abandoned by anxious families unsure if they pose a risk or how they can care for them in isolation.
“We have come together to reassure people that there is no evidence that pets can get sick from coronavirus so not to panic or worry. We have also written some clear and simple tips about how to continue to care for them through this crisis.
“Like many others, the animal welfare sector is facing huge strain, with reduced staffing, loss of volunteers and pressure on resources. We need to reassure owners with good advice so they can continue to look after their pets and this will help prevent rescue centres being overwhelmed at this challenging time.”
“Pets are a big part of our families and it is important to make sure they stay happy and healthy during these difficult times. Isolation for us can mean some big changes for our pets and they won’t understand why. We hope this advice will help owners help their pets, while looking after themselves too. ”
Dr Samantha Gaines, RSPCA animal welfare expert, added: “In times of crisis many of us turn towards our pets for comfort and this is no different. Millions of us share our homes with dogs and cats and greatly value the companionship and joy they bring into our lives. In recent days, we have been inundated with calls and questions from owners who want to make sure they know how best to provide for their pet’s health and happiness. We are delighted to have been able to work with others to produce this much needed guidance.”
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “The GSPCA are a member of the ADCH which is part of the coalition and with the extended two weeks lock down here in Guernsey it’s important we all keep our pets happy and safe.”
“The States of Guernsey have a page dedicated to advice on Pets and Livestock and to find out more please visit https://covid19.gov.gg/guidance/pets-livestock .”
“There is more help and advice and guidance from the coalition such as Animal Business Guidance and Walking Someone Else’s Dog on the Canine and Feline Sector Group web site, better known as the CFSG.”
“CFSG is made up of influential organisations who advise the UK Government on behalf of the sector on strategically important dog and cat health and welfare issues and standards.”
“We hope this information is useful to both pet owners, as well as dog walkers and animal businesses.”
To visit the CFSG website and see these resources please visit http://www.cfsg.org.uk/coronavirus/_layouts/15/start.aspx#/
The full list of organisations is as follows:
ABTC (Animal Behaviour and Training Council), ADCH (Association of Dogs and Cats Homes, Battersea, Blue Cross, BSAVA (British Small Animals Vet Association), BVA (British Vet Association) Cats Protection, Dogs Trust, PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, PFMA, (Pet Food Manufacturing Organisation) PIF, (Pet Industry Federation) RSPCA, Scottish SPCA, Canine and Feline Sector Group and The Kennel Club.
In line with States of Guernsey advice please DO NOT visit the GSPCA if you are over 65, have an underlying health condition or have any symptoms of Coronavirus and only visit us if your visit is essential but before doing so please call us on 01481 257261 or email [email protected] before your trip to the GSPCA to see if we can help without you coming to the Shelter. For the latest information and advice please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/search/node/coronavirus
With huge challenges on our resources and a drop in income from boarding and donations please help us help animals in Guernsey with our #GuernseyCoronavirusCrisisAppeal by donating online via - https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal
During these difficult times help us help animals in need. From donating to Sponsoring a Pen, Buying a Brick for the much needed Wildlife Hospital to our Amazon and main page Wish List, holding a mufti day to a sponsored Christmas dip, here are some of the ways you could help give animals joy.
For lots more ideas on how you can support the shelter and the animals in our care then please visit our fundraising page www.gspca.org.gg/fundraising
To see a list of our volunteer induction evenings which we hold each month and for more information please visit http://gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or call 257261
To find out more on trips, talks and our education work please email [email protected] or call 01481 257261
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