GSPCA Issues Advice as Storm Austin Brings High Winds to Guernsey
The GSPCA is urging islanders to take extra care with their pets, livestock and local wildlife as high winds associated with Storm Austin pass through the Bailiwick.
Strong winds and heavy weather can present significant risks to animals, particularly those housed or kept outdoors. The GSPCA is encouraging owners to check that all animals have access to safe, secure shelter, fresh water, food and protection from the elements.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said:
"Periods of high winds can be stressful and dangerous for animals. We would ask all pet owners and animal keepers to take a few moments to check outdoor hutches, enclosures, fencing and shelters to ensure they are secure and able to withstand the weather conditions.
Rabbits, tortoises, poultry and other animals kept outside should be given extra protection from the wind and rain, while livestock and horses should have access to suitable shelter and be checked regularly throughout the storm.
We would also remind dog owners to take extra care when exercising pets during strong winds and to avoid unnecessary risks near coastal areas, cliffs and exposed locations."
The charity is particularly mindful of the impact storms can have on wildlife. High winds and rough seas can make it difficult for birds and other wild animals to find shelter, food and safe resting places.
Members of the public are asked to keep an eye out for wildlife that may be injured, exhausted or displaced following the storm.
Anyone who discovers a sick, injured or distressed wild animal should contact the GSPCA on 01481 257261 for advice and assistance.
The charity is also reminding islanders that it is currently seal pup season, a time when rough weather can separate vulnerable pups from their mothers.
Steve Byrne added:
"After periods of stormy weather we often receive calls about seal pups that have become separated from their mothers or are found resting on beaches. Whilst people are naturally concerned and want to help, it is important that seal pups are given space and are not approached.
Getting too close can frighten a pup, cause unnecessary stress and potentially prevent a mother from returning if she is nearby. If you are concerned about a seal pup or any marine wildlife, please contact the GSPCA and we will advise on the best course of action."
The GSPCA is also urging members of the public not to put themselves at risk during the storm.
If you encounter an animal in difficulty along the coastline or in any exposed location, please observe from a safe distance and contact the GSPCA rather than attempting a rescue yourself.
Storm Safety Tips for Animal Owners
- Check hutches, coops, aviaries and outdoor enclosures are secure.
- Ensure rabbits, tortoises and other outdoor pets are protected from wind and rain.
- Check fencing, gates and shelters for livestock and horses.
- Provide access to fresh water and adequate food.
- Keep dogs under control and away from dangerous coastal areas during high winds.
- Watch for injured, exhausted or displaced wildlife after the storm.
- Do not approach, handle or disturb seal pups.
- Report sick, injured or orphaned wildlife to the GSPCA on 257261.
- Put your own safety first and never take unnecessary risks during severe weather.
The GSPCA thanks the community for its continued support and vigilance in helping keep Guernsey's animals safe during adverse weather conditions. For animal emergencies or wildlife concerns, please call 01481 257261.
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
- World Animal Month 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 – Dog11/11 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses
- Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 26th November 2026 Ref – Cat2/12 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses
- 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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