Celebrating 15 Years of Steve Byrne at the GSPCA
Today, the GSPCA is celebrating a very special milestone as Manager Steve Byrne marks 15 years with Guernsey's oldest animal welfare charity.
Since joining the GSPCA in August 2011, Steve has overseen a period of unprecedented growth and development, helping thousands upon thousands of animals, expanding services, improving facilities, securing major funding, creating new initiatives and building an incredible volunteer community that now sees more than 800 people give their time to support the charity each year.
From domestic pets and wildlife rescues to major capital projects and community partnerships, Steve's 15 years have helped shape the charity into one of the most respected animal welfare organisations in the Channel Islands.
During this time, the GSPCA has continued to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals from across the Bailiwick, while also responding to countless emergencies involving wildlife, livestock and pets. Among the many success stories has been the care and release of 53 seal pups back into the wild, giving vulnerable marine mammals a second chance and contributing to the protection of local wildlife.
Steve Byrne said:
"The last 15 years have gone by incredibly quickly. It has been a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated team of staff, trustees and volunteers who share a passion for helping animals. Any achievements have only been possible because of the support of so many wonderful people in our community."
One of Steve's longest-running community initiatives is Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday, first launched in 2012. The event has grown into one of Guernsey's best-loved charity and community days, bringing together animal charities, welfare organisations, rescue groups and supporters to celebrate and promote animal welfare while raising vital funds.
Steve also established the Work 2 Benefit Scheme in partnership with Social Security 14 years ago. The programme has helped many islanders gain valuable work experience, confidence and skills while supporting the charity's daily operations. The initiative continues to provide opportunities for those seeking a route back into employment while contributing positively to the community.
Throughout his tenure, Steve has driven significant improvements across the charity's facilities. From upgrades to animal accommodation and welfare services through to ambitious redevelopment projects, including the current #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal, the focus has always been on providing the very best care for animals.
The redevelopment programme will deliver modern facilities for future generations, including a new Wildlife Hospital and improved animal welfare infrastructure designed to meet the growing demands placed upon the charity.
Alongside the physical improvements, Steve has secured and helped deliver numerous grants and funding opportunities, ensuring that investment continues to be made in animal welfare, education, rescue services and community outreach.
The GSPCA has also seen an expansion in services, events and educational activities during the past 15 years. From pet first aid courses and welfare campaigns to fundraising events, open days, charity partnerships and island-wide initiatives, the charity has strengthened its role in community life while continuing to place animal welfare at the heart of everything it does.
GSPCA President John Knight said:
"Steve's passion, dedication and commitment to animal welfare have been extraordinary. Over the past 15 years he has helped lead the charity through huge developments, major challenges and countless success stories. The improvements to facilities, the growth in services, the partnerships built across the island and the thousands of animals helped are a testament to his hard work and determination."
A key ingredient in the charity's success has been the support of volunteers. Today, more than 800 volunteers contribute to the GSPCA every year, helping with animal care, fundraising, events, transport, maintenance, administration, wildlife rescues and countless other tasks.
Steve added:
"The support from our volunteers has been truly incredible. Whether they can give an hour, a day or years of service, they make an enormous difference. The GSPCA simply could not achieve what it does without them. I would also like to thank our staff, trustees, members, supporters and everyone who has helped us care for animals over the years."
As Steve celebrates 15 years with the charity, work continues on the next chapter of the GSPCA's history, ensuring animals across Guernsey and beyond will continue to receive the care, protection and support they need for decades to come.
Everyone at the GSPCA would like to congratulate Steve Byrne on reaching this significant milestone and thank him for his dedication to improving the lives of animals and the people who care for them.
Check out more on the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal – https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspcabiggestbuildappeal
To donate to our work and the other animals in our care https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)
To see animals looking for new homes
https://www.gspca.org.gg/animals
To see our youtube channel and lots of videos please visit https://www.youtube.com/@TheGuernseySPCA
To see events, ways to support and animals in need please see our latest blog https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog
Upcoming events
- Summer Guided Tours July/August 2026 to be confirmed
- South Show GSPCA Dog Show Saturday 15th August 2026
- West Show 19th-20th August 2026
- World Lizard Day 14th August 2026
- North Show 26th-27th August 2026
- International Dog Day 26th August 2026
- World Animal Month October 2026
- World Animal Day 4th October 2026
- Feral Cat Day 16th October 2026
- National cat Day 29th October 2026
- Halt Term Spooky Tours October 2026 to be confirmed
- Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 12th November 2026 Ref – Dog12/11
- Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 26th November 2026 Ref – Cat26/11
- Possible Christmas Themed Animal Discovery Trail November/December 2026 to be confirmed with possible Ball
- World Wildlife Conservation Day 4th December 2026
- Festive Tours December/January 2026/7 to be confirmed
- Sidneys Sponsored Events - Grease and Dirty Dancing Saturday 10th April 2027
Steve continued “There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”
“Our BIGGEST BUILD is now underway and we are desperately looking for support and to help in anyway please do get in touch and check out this link https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggestbuild-begins-demolition-underway-%E2%80%93-buying-brick-sponsorship-can-you-help .”
“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or 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 .”
“To think of helping animals and our work in your legacy or will please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding .”
“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”
“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “
“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “
“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”
"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."
"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."
“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”
“To visit our x page please click here .”
“Thank you for your support.”
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