GSPCA Welcome Improved legal protections for Guernsey’s animals come into effect but what else needs to be done
The States of Guernsey have just information on the improved legal protections for Guernsey’s animals come into effect which are very much welcomed but there is always more to do…
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “The GSPCA welcome the long overdue improved legal protections for Guernsey’s animals that come into effect today.”
“From the restrictions on snares, glue traps and lamping to preventing farming of fur, feathers/down or hides/skin as a primary product with many species as well as prohibiting prohibits foie gras production by force-feeding, and bans the use of wild animals in circuses, improving animal welfare is at the heart of all that the GSPCA does and wants to see happen in Guernsey.”
“With the upcoming election there many other laws and animal welfare concerns the GSPCA has and we have produced a manifesto to highlight key items that need to be addressed to improve animal welfare, safety in our island and help the whole community, not to mention the animals.”
Below is a release from the States of Guernsey -
‘The Animal Welfare (Guernsey) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 came into effect at the start of May, protecting Guernsey’s animals by placing restrictions on snares, glue traps and the practice of ‘lamping,’ in which bright lights are used to dazzle hunted animals.
The Ordinance also provides greater enforcement powers for animal welfare investigations.
This has come into effect following the States’ decision last July to endorse the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure’s proposals for stronger animal welfare legislation.
As of 1st May, it is an offence to:
- use, sell, or be in possession of snares or gin/leg-hold traps to capture or kill animals;
- use glue traps, for instance rodent glue boards, except if carried out by a pest controller licensed by the States Veterinary Office;
- use artificial lighting or illuminating devices to capture, take, control or slaughter animals. Night vision devices are still allowed and using lights to identify or capture animals for environmental or scientific purposes is permitted under licence.
Certain stunning and slaughtering devices that do not meet humane standards for culling birds and small mammals are also prohibited.
Additionally, the Ordinance prevents the farming of animals for fur, feathers/down or hides/skin as a primary product rather than a slaughter by-product, prohibits foie gras production by force-feeding, and bans the use of wild animals in circuses. Sheep, alpaca or llama farming for wool, and goat farming for hair where the goats are sheared, are still permitted.
For the avoidance of doubt, a list of permitted and prohibited devices for pest control, stunning and slaughtering can be found in the downloads section at gov.gg/animalwelfare. Local vendors of restricted products have been advised.
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Committee said
“As a Committee, we are genuinely proud to have brought forward legislation to better protect both wild and domesticated animals. The Ordinance will have a notably positive effect on the lives of Guernsey’s animals, aligning with legislative advancements elsewhere in recognition of animal sentience and helping fulfil our international Conventions and trade agreement obligations.”’
On Wednesday 18th June 2025 the Guernsey Elections will take place and islanders have until 30th April to enrol on the electoral roll with candidate nominations between the 12th and 14th May 2025.
The GSPCA are an integral part of island life helping animals and the community 24/7.
From education to investigating cruelty, working with a huge range of organisations and departments to rescuing animals, boarding to cremations, strays and so much more the GSPCA 152 years since being founded are busier now than ever with the BIGGEST BUILD upcoming in our long history.
To see our GSPCA Manifesto to learn more about us and our challenges please click here - https://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/2025%20Manifesto%20%283%29_0.pdf
Steve Byrne continues “At the GSPCA we work so hard 24/7 and support the island in so many ways from helping the animals to supporting our community.”
“With candidates registering on the 12th May we are sharing our manifesto with some of the key challenges we see and experience so those standing are aware of the animal welfare issues and challenges charities face.”
“During the week of the 19th May we will have opportunities for those standing to visit the GSPCA and chat to our team and find out more about our work and how they can better help animal welfare and our community.”
“That is a busy week for us as not only is our Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday on the 18th May is also the GSPCA Cupcake Week so those attending may get some tasty treats.”
“For those wanting to visit please book online via https://www.eventbrite.com/e/guernsey-candidate-invite-to-the-gspca-tickets-1304192397569?aff=oddtdtcreator it is completely free but donations are welcomed.”
“The challenges we face range from funding our BIGGEST BUILD to increasing costs including additional charges from the States of Guernsey, firework concerns to animal identification, escaped farm animals and horses to protections for animals like nesting birds and bats.”
“We have all had to endure the pandemic and disease threats are a real concern as are challenges with bureaucracy.”
Our BIGGEST CHALLENGES & CONCERNS
- Building for the future, the GSPCA are about to start our BIGGEST BUILD is our history at a cost of £3,700,000
- New animal welfare licencing - we are concerned about the star rating proposed as we feel that all businesses should ensure the correct care is given to all animals. We are also concerned in regards extra charges these are going to cost charities
- Fireworks - our largest ever survey took place last year after one of the busiest firework periods in many years with a huge amount of concerns for welfare for not just animals about the numbers of fireworks that took place
- Microchipping/Animal ID - we still do not have compulsory microchipping which causes challenges every year reuniting lost, stray & injured animals with up to 300 cats hit by cars every year
- Dangers from loose farm animals - every week the GSPCA respond to large equine and farm animals loose on our roads which cause real safety concerns often with no way to identify the owners quickly
- Dog faeces - every year we receive complaints of concerned islanders over dog waste not picked up
- Nesting Birds and Bats - every year we have calls of concern of potential interreference with nesting birds and bat roosts
- Birds of Prey - with suspicious deaths of birds of prey reported stronger protection is needed
- We would love to use more green energy and be more environmentally friendly
- Disease threats - the numbers of animals brought in from countries with potential zoonotic diseases is a real concern
- Running costs - with high rises in the cost of living, supplies, pensions the GSPCA has to raise over £1,400,000 annually
- Education in animal welfare is key for the next generation
- Challenges from bureaucracy, red tape and Brexit
There are many other challenges but these highlights hopefully give you an indication of some of our key concerns.
Tim Pellett GSPCA Community and training Officer said “During the last election we saw many candidates come visit us and learn about our work at the GSPCA.”
“We do so much for so many like my role which is predominantly working with Social Security to help unemployed individuals with work and voluntary opportunities at the GSPCA to help get them into or back into the work place.”
“We have helped 100’s of placements through the Work 2 Benefit scheme and 1000’s more with other opportunities in recent years.”
“There are many challenges we face as the GSPCA and this is a fantastic opportunity to learn more and how if elected they can help make a real difference.”
Steve continued “As well as our manifesto the Association of Guernsey Charities have launched the asks from the charitable sector with a huge amount of information to be found by checking out this document https://www.charity.org.gg/Uploads_about/Manifesto2025Final.pdf and to see our GSPCA Manifesto check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/2025%20Manifesto%20%283%29_0.pdf .”
“As well as our specific manifesto this leads into the wider picture of the challenges the island charities face and hope the incoming Deputies can support the charitable sector who #withoutus as has been promoted the island would look an incredibly different place.”
“There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”
“Our BIGGEST event is our Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday on the 18th May and for details check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/animal-welfare-sea-front-sunday .“
“We also have the GSPCA Cupcake Week in May https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-cupcake-week .”
“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 make a donation or support our BIGGEST BUILD Appeal please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/biggest-appeal-ever-gspca-big-build-appeal-buy-brick-build-brighter-future-animals-guernsey .”
“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 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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