Fire Drill and Emergency Team Training Held at the GSPCA Animal Shelter
The GSPCA team took part in a fire drill and emergency procedures training session on Wednesday morning as part of the charity's ongoing commitment to safety, welfare and staff development.
Just after 10.30am, shortly after the team's morning break, the fire alarm was activated in the main kennel block. More than 30 people on site, including staff, volunteers, placements, work experience students and visitors, responded to the drill and made their way safely to the designated assembly point.
Once assembled, GSPCA Supervisor Ali Le Huray carried out a head count to ensure everyone was accounted for before the exercise moved on to a training session led by GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne.
During the session, Steve reviewed the charity's emergency procedures and protocols, discussing what actions should be taken in the event of a serious incident at the Animal Shelter. He also shared new fire training notes which have recently been developed for the team as part of the GSPCA's ongoing focus on continuous learning and safety.
The importance of regular training has been highlighted by incidents at animal welfare organisations in recent years, including the devastating fire at Manchester Dogs' Home. Whilst everyone hopes such incidents never occur, the GSPCA believes it is vital that all team members understand how to respond effectively to protect both people and animals in their care.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said:
"The safety of our staff, volunteers, visitors and, of course, the animals in our care is of paramount importance. Fire drills and emergency planning are essential parts of ensuring we are prepared should the unexpected ever happen."
"With more than 30 people on site during the exercise, it was a valuable opportunity to practise our procedures and discuss our responsibilities during an emergency situation. We also reviewed how we would care for and protect the animals should we ever face a serious incident at the Shelter."
"Nobody ever wants to experience an emergency, but training and preparation can make all the difference. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part and to Ali Le Huray for coordinating the head count and supporting the exercise."
Steve added that training remains a key priority for the charity:
"Every day we learn something new at the GSPCA and we are always looking for opportunities to educate and develop our team. We are fortunate to work with a range of organisations and trainers who help us improve our knowledge and skills."
"Over the coming weeks we are looking forward to receiving Pet Bereavement Training from the Blue Cross and Mental Health First Aid training support from Guernsey Mind, to mention just two examples. Ongoing training helps ensure we can provide the very best support not only to the animals in our care, but also to our staff, volunteers and members of the public who turn to us for help."
The GSPCA regularly undertakes training exercises, welfare workshops and professional development opportunities to ensure the team remains prepared for the many challenges involved in caring for thousands of animals and wildlife every year.
The GSPCA also deliver a number of training courses for the public and to find out more please go to https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses
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
- Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) 23rd – 27th July 2026
- Summer Guided Tours July/August 2026 to be confirmed
- South Show GSPCA Dog Show Saturday 8th August 2026
- West Show 12th-13th August 2026
- World Lizard Day 14th August 2026
- North Show 19th-20th 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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