Every year the GSPCA rescue and rehabilitate sick and injured wildlife from discarded rubbish and litter. This morning we had an adult Gannet brought in tangled in fishing line. Found by kind States workers in Petit Bot the bird would have certainly died if they hadn’t rescued it.
Currently being freed from its bonds this poor bird was tangled from head to toe. Gary as he’s been named once free will be checked over fed and we will ensure he is tip top before release and we are hopeful for a good recovery.
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager said ‘This is so unnecessary. We just don’t know how long poor Gary will have been suffering for.’ ‘We have already seen incidents this year of birds dying due to those fishing leaving their waste.’ ‘We urge everyone to ensure they clean up after themselves from fishing tackle to any kind of waste as the GSPCA want to keep Guernsey tidy and the animals safe.’
What you can do to help to help the animals of Guernsey
Protecting pets, farm animals and wildlife from harmful rubbish is straightforward – simply dispose of your waste responsibly.
- Recycle and reuse where you can
- Otherwise take your rubbish home and put it in a bin.
Everyday objects can become hazards to animals and birds
- Balloons - Once balloons burst, animals can mistake them for food and can choke. Avoid balloon releases, as the balloons can land anywhere, and cut used balloons into pieces before putting in the bin.
- Containers and cans- Attracted by leftovers, animals will forage inside and get their heads trapped. Larger animals may get their tongues caught or damaged by sharp edges. Animals such as cats, gulls, rats and dogs often rummage in rubbish bins. Clean cans and containers, drop lids inside cans, and cut containers in half or pinch cans shut. Try to recycle where possible.
- Elastic bands - These get caught around necks of small animals and beaks of birds. They can also be swallowed, causing an animal to choke. Whenever possible reuse bands, and cut them open before putting them in a bin.
- Fishing tackle - Line can get caught around legs, wings, necks and beaks, and hooks can pierce skin and muscle or be swallowed causing internal injuries. Every month the GSPCA have to help birds that have been caught and entangled.
- Take unwanted line home and cut it into small pieces before putting it in a bin.
- Wrap hooks in newspaper before putting in a bin.
- Glass - Bottles and jars break easily, leaving sharp pieces that can cause serious injury. Animals can get trapped in glass jars. Clean and then recycle glass at a bottle bank.
- Plastic bags - Animals such as hedgehogs can climb inside and suffocate, or eat them and choke. Tie a knot in all bags before disposing of them or, better still, reuse or recycle. Each bag takes hundreds of years to decompose and are not broken down once eaten so can kill more than one animal.
- Plastic can holders- Animals can get entangled, causing deep sores, wounds and choking. Always cut the loops before putting in a rubbish or recycling bin.
Please help keep Guernsey tidy and our animals safe.
We are currently appealing for donations to purchase additional heat pads for our sick and injured animals. Each pad costs £30 each helps save lives please get in touch if you would like to help. We are also trying to purchase additional rescue equipment and any donations would help towards purchasing this much need equipment.
Also watch this space for more information on the GSPCA Cupcake Week 25th – 31st March, a way that you, your business, your school, your family, your friends can all help raise funds to help animal welfare in Guernsey.
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