Urgent Appeal: Help the GSPCA Replace Two Essential Animal Ambulances
The GSPCA is launching an urgent appeal for support to help replace two of its hardworking Animal Ambulances, which have been at the heart of rescuing and transporting animals across Guernsey for many years.
Our main Animal Ambulance, a specially adapted Nissan NV200, has now travelled over 130,000 miles since it was generously funded through the 2013 Itex Rotary Walk. Over more than a decade, the vehicle has been on call day and night, helping thousands upon thousands of animals in need.
From rescuing seal pups and transporting stranded dolphins, to helping injured sea turtles, abandoned pets, cruelty case animals, stray cats and dogs, livestock including goats and sheep, and even a young calf, the vehicle has rarely stopped. It has become an essential part of the GSPCA's rescue work.
However, after years of dedicated service, the ambulance is beginning to feel very much like "Trigger's Broom" from Only Fools and Horses. So many parts have been replaced over the years that it is a testament to the skills of local garages and mechanics that it continues to provide such reliable service. Despite the ongoing repairs and maintenance, the vehicle is now showing its age and replacement has become increasingly urgent.
The GSPCA's second Animal Ambulance, which was donated in 2018, was a landmark addition to the charity's fleet as the first electric vehicle to support animal rescue work on the island. The vehicle was generously donated and supplied by Plug-N-Go.com, with the charging point kindly installed free of charge by JER Electrical.
Although this vehicle has also provided years of valuable service, it was second-hand when donated and has now accumulated extremely high mileage. Like its older counterpart, it requires regular visits to the garage and increasing levels of maintenance to keep it operational.
The GSPCA team operates around the clock, responding to emergencies during both the day and throughout the night. Having reliable vehicles is critical to ensuring animals receive help when they need it most.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said:
"Our Animal Ambulances are some of the most important tools we have. Every day they help us respond to calls involving sick, injured, abandoned and vulnerable animals across Guernsey. They have transported everything from tiny wildlife casualties through to livestock and marine animals, and they have played a role in thousands of rescues over the years.
Both vehicles have served us incredibly well, but the reality is they are now reaching the point where replacement is becoming essential. We are so grateful to everyone who originally supported the purchase and donation of these vehicles, and we hope the community may be able to help us once again.
Without reliable transport, our ability to respond quickly to emergencies would be severely affected. Every mile these ambulances travel represents an animal receiving the help it desperately needs."
Steve added:
"We know there are many demands on people's generosity, but every donation, sponsorship opportunity or fundraising idea can make a genuine difference. Whether someone can help us replace an ambulance, contribute towards our ongoing costs, support the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal, or donate one of the many smaller items on our Wish List, every act of kindness helps us continue caring for animals in Guernsey."
The GSPCA's Wish List contains a wide variety of projects and items requiring support, ranging from the urgent need for replacement Animal Ambulances and the ongoing #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal, through to everyday supplies used by the animals and staff at the shelter.
Anyone who may be interested in helping with the replacement of the Animal Ambulances, sponsoring a vehicle, making a donation, or discussing fundraising opportunities is asked to contact the GSPCA.
To help or find out more:
Telephone: 01481 257261
Email: [email protected]
GSPCA Wish List:
https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list
Donate online:
https://giving.gg/charities/1/guernsey-society-for-the-prevention-of-cruelty-to-animals-gspca
The GSPCA would like to thank everyone who has supported the charity's rescue work over the years. With the community's help, the charity hopes to secure two replacement vehicles that will continue serving Guernsey's animals for many years to come.
For those interested in helping with our animal ambulance service please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/volunteer-emergency-wardens-needed-help-keep-gspcas-247-lifeline-running-especially-wednesday-f
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
- World Animal Day 4th 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 – Dog12/11
- Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 26th November 2026 Ref – Cat26/11
- 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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