GSPCA concerned for the welfare of wildlife in the hot weather and pond advice

The GSPCA has been highlighting the challenges of the current hot weather on our wildlife and every day rescuing animals suffering from the lack of food and water, as well as those sick and injured.

The GSPCA is also aware that many of our ponds around the island which are homes to an array of wildlife are suffering due to the lack of rain.

One of the main public ponds is that of the one in Saumarez Park which is at a very low level and has become extremely green due to algae and there has been sadly a number of dead wildlife been found in and around the pond.

The GSPCA have been in touch with the States of Guernsey Veterinary Department about what action is being taken and we have been informed that they have been in touch with ACLMS who manage the land.

They are working with States Works to slowly pump water into the pond and looking at setting up a kit to raise the oxygen levels within the pond. They are also looking at possible treatments to reduce the algae. They have said the translocation of the remaining fish is not viable as it could cause animal health and environmental issues into a new introduced site. Similarly they are concerned about stirring up the sediment of the pond through wading as it could cause further damage and exacerbate the situation.

They are also talking to others to see what other options there are to help during this difficult time.

There are a number of other ponds around the island that have been suffering with similar problems and the GSPCA has been out to rescue a number of sick and injured animals at a number of these.

For those with ponds here are some helpful tips to protect it:

• Keep water oxygenated
• Clear debris often
• Don’t overfeed fish
• Watch water levels
• Provide shade
• Make sure your pond is at least 2 feet deep
• Use biological filters and skimmers
• Control algae
• Keep predators away
• Test your water

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “We are very concerned for all of the wildlife in Guernsey during this hot weather as we have seen 100’s affected in the last few months sick and dehydrated to those covered in flystrike and maggots.”

“A real concern at present is that of ponds such as the one at Saumarez Park where the wildlife are suffering due to the low levels of water which is causing a host of issues and even resulting in wildlife dying.”

“We have contacted the States Veterinary Department who have assured us there are a number of actions being taken to do all they can to help protect and save the habitat and animals.”

“It is a huge and difficult problem as it is not only the Saumarez Park pond but there are many with ponds in their gardens and grounds suffering similar issues due to the extreme heat and prolonged dry spell, so we have added some advice on this write up to help those protect their ponds and all that live within and use them.”

“We are aware that the States are also engaging others to see what can be done as well as the action being taken to help the situation at Saumarez Park pond.”

“If anyone has any concerns on animal welfare they can contact us here at the GSPCA on 257261 or email [email protected] or the States Vet Department on 221161 or email [email protected] .”

“The continued hot and dry weather is going to continue to put a strain on our wildlife and we all need to do what we can to help them.”

“If you find a sick or injured animal suffering then you can call our 24/7 helpline on 01481 257261 or check out our advice pages by going to https://www.gspca.org.gg/animals/wildlife-advice .”

“There are many ways you can help support our vital 24/7 work and donate or raise funds for the hundreds of animals in our care.”

“With over 100 hedgehogs, 2 seal pups, dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, fish, reptiles and many birds we help over 3000 animals through the doors every year.”

“If you would like to support our Amazon Wish List and see lists of items that we use every day and things that we are appealing for.”

“If would like to help with wish list items you can call us on 01481 25721 or email [email protected] or the easy way to see many items we are in need  is by going to our Amazon Wish List https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/25MJPPDAGXHL1?type=WishList .”

“We do promote buying items locally but shopping online can help raise funds at the same time as if you select the GSPCA through easy fund raising part of the amount through 1000’s of online retailers comes back to the GSPCA and it has raised over £2500.”

“To sign up to do this please visit http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/guernseyspca/?u=1CHID8 .”

“Sadly Amazon Smile doesn’t allow Guernsey charities to sign up but you can go through easy fund raising to achieve the same donation.”

“As mentioned you can always chose to donate via local stores and the Amazon Wish List is a shop front showing some of the items we need but there are many others and we have published these on our Wish List page http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”

“A gift of a tiny bowl costing less than a £1 to a £600 intensive care unit, every donation is hugely appreciated and really makes the team smile that there are those that care and want to support our work.”

“Another amazing way to support our work is by just a couple of pounds each month can make a massive difference in helping the animals in our care and to find out more please go to http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf .”

“To make a donation you can go to https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA) .”  

“Something for your diaries in 2023 we are running a Puffin Parade and to sponsor a 4 foot puffin with the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey go to - http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/2023-autism-guernsey-and-gspca-will-bring-puffin-parade-guernsey-%E2%80%93-could-you-sponsor-and-paint- “

“We couldn’t do so much without your support.”

Donate

Donate by calling  01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or online https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal

Puffin Patrol

In 2023 we are running a Puffin Parade and to sponsor a 4 foot puffin with the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey go to - http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/2023-autism-guernsey-and-gspca-will-bring-puffin-parade-guernsey-%E2%80%93-could-you-sponsor-and-paint-

Sponsored Event

Why not create your own sponsored event or challenge - https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

For lots more ideas why not visit our fundraising page www.gspca.org.gg/fundraising

Wish List

Check out our wish list page from the smallest of items to our biggest of projects there are many ways to support us - http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list

To visit our Amazon Wish list to see some of the items we need to help the wildlife please visit - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/25MJPPDAGXHL1?type=WishList

GSPCA Wildlife Hospital Appeal

To make a direct donation please visit - https://giving.gg/donate/event/4618/Please-Support-the-GSPCA-Wildlife-Hospital-Appeal

To Buy a Brick in the new Wildlife Hospital and download a leaflet please click here - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Buy%20a%20Brick%20Wildlife%20Hospital.pdf

Larger donors or corporates may want to make a larger donation and become an Exclusive Build Partner and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-exclusive-build-partner

Legacies & Bequests

By leaving a gift to the GSPCA in your Will really helps us to improve the lives of animals into the future.  After providing for those you care for, please consider leaving a proportion of what remains to the GSPCA it is so appreciated and makes a real lasting legacy.

A gift like this to the GSPCA ensures our animals and those in Guernsey will always have someone to keep them safe. To find out more please http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding 

Gift Aid on Donations over £500

To find out about the States of Guernsey tax relief information on gift aid up to 2020 on donations totalling between £500 and £5000 please see the details by going to https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=2617&p=0

2021 gift aid is from £500 and up to £7500 and here are the details - https://www.gov.gg/article/151830/Income-tax-relief

To download the form to claim for 2020 or before please follow this link https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=1994&p=0

Become a sponsor and GSPCA member

Why become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor and support our work each month please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf

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  

Share our posts and follow us on social media

Many of you will have seen us on social media and your support liking and sharing our posts is really appreciated, and to visit our social media pages please go to

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GuernseySPCA

Twitter https://twitter.com/GSPCA

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gspca-guernsey-965b0751/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gspca_guernsey/

Subscribe to our Supporters Newsletter

To subscribe to our supporters newsletter and find out about upcoming events and news please go to https://us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9324335c87c8b3ec9f0016f2a&id=e61c951a08

In line with States of Guernsey advice please DO NOT visit the GSPCA if have any symptoms of Coronavirus and we continue visits to the Shelter for only essential reasons and to please call us on 01481 257261 or email [email protected] before your trip 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 #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal by donating online via - https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal

Below are our usual opening times but with the current challenges due to covid these are occasionally adjusted to ensure we provide the best of care for the animals and those needing our 24/7 help, in an emergency please call 01481 257261

Upcoming Events we are at and need your help -

West Show Wednesday 17th – Thursday 18th August

North Show Wednesday 24th – Thursday 25th August

GSPCA Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday now planned for the 12th September - https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/animal-welfare-sea-front-sunday

Volunteer Induction Evening Thursday 630pm 29^th September

Dog First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Wednesday 9th November 2022 - Ref - Dog 9/11

Cat First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Wednesday 30th November 2022 - Ref – Cat30/11