Volunteer Induction Evening first day of GSPCA Purple Week – Thursday 8th February
Submitted by Steve on 14:19, 7th Feb, 2018 |
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Tomorrow we hold our second Volunteer Induction Evening of 2018 which is the first day of GSPCA Purple Week.
Around this day 145 years ago a group of individuals decided they needed to have a meeting form a charity to help animals being neglected in Guernsey and to this day we couldn’t do without the 800+ volunteers that assist the GSPCA every year.
On 11th February, 1873, a meeting was convened in the rooms of the Societe Guernesiaise “for the purpose of considering the expediency of establishing in the Island a Societe for the suppression of Cruelty to Animals” and the Dean of Guernsey was called to the Chair. The Patron of the Society was His Excellency Lt. General Froome.
A Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was thus established on the 14th February 1873 and became known as the GSPCA.
A considerable amount of time in the early days was spent in persuading owners and drivers of horse drawn vehicles to show some consideration for their animals. Boxcart drivers in the stone trade would haul very heavy loads of granite along unmade roads from the quarries to the cracking yards and to quite considerable distances where new roads and lanes were being surfaced, in most cases drivers were considerate to animals in their charge, but with some Companies animals were worked to their limit.
Butchers roundsmen with a horse and van would leave the shop at 6 to 7am and go on a country delivery round often running as late as 10pm and then having to stable and feed the horse. Horses and cattle and farms were observed and where required were investigated if cruelty or neglect were involved.
Volunteers help in all areas of the work at the GSPCA 145 years on and thankfully the cruelty levels from then to now are a world apart.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said "We are about to celebrate our 145th year at the GSPCA from tomorrow for our GSPCA Purple Week and we kick start the week with a Volunteer Induction Evening at 630pm.”
“It was a group of volunteers that met 145 years ago after seeing first hand a wide selection of cruelty to animals, especially to livestock in Guernsey back in 1873.”
“They decided a charity was needed to prevent cruelty to animals and promote kindness and 145 years later we are blessed with a much kinder island that does so much to help so many animals.”
“They would have never imagined back then that we would have over 800 volunteers and helpers trained and see over 120 each week which is a Shelter that cares for over 500 animals with the facilities we have.”
“With over 500 animals at the GSPCA working 24/7 there is something for everyone from fund raising to walking the dogs.”
“The volunteer induction takes place at the Shelter at 630pm on tomorrow on Thursday 8th February and lasts between 1 ½ to 2 hours and all ages are welcome although you must be 13 or over to help on site with the animals.”
“We look forward seeing the new volunteers tomorrow and are so grateful to all getting involved with GSPCA Purple Week.”
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