Submitted by GSPCA on 13:53, 4th Feb, 2013 | 0

On Thursday of last week the start of what has turned out to be over a hundred sea birds being affected by what is blamed to be refined mineral oils.

From Cornwall to Sussex much of the English South Coast has been affected and the GSPCA are asking walkers and those using the coast line to be vigilant in case any birds or wildlife are in need of help.

Many organisations have been involved from the Environment Agency to the RSPCA in the UK.  In fact the RSPCA have already rescued over 100 birds which have been taken to their Wildlife Hospital West Hatch in Somerset.

With a wide variety of sea birds wintering along the English Channel and many Guillemots already found deceased or heavily contaminated if you see any birds affected in the Bailiwick please do let us know at the GSPCA on 01481 257261 as soon as possible.

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said 'We haven't had any reports as yet but it is likely to be a few days from the first incident in the UK before we see any in our waters, but there is a good possibility and we want to be ready for if and when this happens.'

'We rehabilitate many birds every year affected by oils and other substances such as Adele the Grebe to Olive the Kestrel who were two of the success stories last year.'

'If anyone sees any sick or injured animals or birds we are on call 24 hours 7 days a week but we want those out on the coast to please be extra vigilant over the next week or so and to take care if you are walking a dog along the tide line.'

The GSPCA have worked closely with the RSPCA on such occasions in the past such as the Sea Empress disaster in 1996 when 100 Common Scoters were flown over to Guernsey from West Hatch to help lighten their work load with the 1000's of birds they had in their care.

If you find you kind a bird affected then here is a little advice -

  • Do not risk your safety by looking for or picking up birds from dangerous locations. Be aware of the tides and weather conditions.
  • If you do find an oiled bird and it is safe to pick it up, ensure that you are wearing gloves because the oil could be hazardous to your health. The birds may also try to peck you, so keep them away from your face.
  • Collected birds should be placed on their own in cardboard boxes with newspaper or a towel. DO NOT use hay or straw. The boxes should have ventilation holes.
  • Call the GSPCA 24 hour help line on 01481 257261 or take the bird directly to the Animal Shelter in St Andrews
  • Please do not attempt to wash or feed the bird yourself - leave that to the Shelter staff and volunteers who have the correct training and facilities.

Thank you for your help and support.  If you would like to become an ANGEL and help sponsor the care of the wildlife at the GSPCA Animal Shelter then please click here to find out more.

 

Other ways you can support if you would like to donate to the GSPCA and help us care for animals in Guernsey by calling into the Shelter, over the phone on 01481 257261 or by clicking the Paypal button below.

Thank you for your support.

If you see a seal pup click here to find out what to do.

To see the story of Jethou Bumblebee the grey seal pup please check out this short video from start to finish on how staff rescued him with a lot of help.

To see the story of Hanois and his rescue please go to http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/hanois-grey-seal-pup-rescued-saturday-gspca-staff

To nominate and find out more about the Ceva Awards for Animal Welfare please go to - http://www.ceva.co.uk/en/Animal-Welfare-Awards/Ceva-Awards-for-Animal-Welfare-2013

Ceva Awards for Animal Welfare 2013

Also there are the Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity Awards 2013 - Find out how to nominate here by going to https://www.petplan.co.uk/aboutpetplan/charity-awards-form.asp

Petplan & ADCH Animal Welfare Awards 2013

Events planned in 2013 are -

GSPCA Purple Week - Coffee Morning & Bric-A-Brac Mondy to Friday 10am-12pm next week at the GSPCA - & appeal for Bric-A-Brac - click here for details

Every Tuesday during term time between 10.30am and 12pm at the GSPCA we have a coffee morning with bric-a-brac and pet supplies on sale.  Please click here for more details

To find out about the GSPCA Purple Week - Celebrating 140 years Caring for Animals in Guernsey 11th - 17th February and how you can join in.

GSPCA week

The GSPCA are pleased to announce our GSPCA Sunday Family Fun Lunch on the 3rd March - click here for more details

25th - 31st March GSPCA Cupcake Week - more details to follow.

4th April - World Stray Day - more details to follow

Saturday 6th June 2013 Itex Walk Guernsey - We are pleased that for 2013 we are one of the nominated charities benefiting from this years walk. To register and find out more click here for more details.

June 2013 - Summer Fayre and Dog Show - more details to follow

September 2013 - Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday - more details to follow

4th October - World Animal Day - more details to follow

There are always animals at the GSPCA looking for good homes from farm birds to rabbits and to see many of them please click here. Felix in the video is our longest stay cat and really needs your help to find a new home.

There are many items on the GSPCA's Wish List and you can see many of them by clicking here including a list of Amazon items which would make a difference to animals in Guernsey.

To download our latest newsletter or become a member of the GSPCA please

To become a GSPCA member

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