Winter Weather Advice to help Animals in Guernsey from the GSPCA

With cold weather the GSPCA want pet owners to consider all the animals of Guernsey. During a cold snap the GSPCA are on full alert, ready to deal with a variety of animals affected by the low temperatures.

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “With the cold snap upon us the GSPCA are concerned for wildlife, pets and other animals kept outside.”

“We have a web page which is http://www.gspca.org.gg/animals/wildlife-advice full of advice for what to do if you find an injured wild animal from seals to birds but there many ways you can help.”

“We have put together some advice on how to help protect your pets and also help wildlife.”

“We have had a real range of animals coming in during these cold and windy days and we can all do our part to help the animals of Guernsey from putting food out for hedgehogs to ensuring our pets are protected from the biting cold weather.”

"We already have over 100 hedgehogs, the 4 seal pups, many birds coming in and lots of others affected by the stormy and cold weather."

“Please remember you can call us 24/7 on 257261 and there is always someone at the Shelter.”

“We have had an incredibly difficult year both in terms of operating but also raising the much needed funds to run our 24/7 services caring for and helping thousands of animals.”

“There are many ways to support our work and the seal pups from making a donation towards their care to donating or helping towards the new much needed Wildlife Hospital.”

“To make a donation to help the seals in our care please go to https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)  .”

“You can also donate by calling  01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or popping up to the Shelter in St Andrews.”

“To make a direct donation to the Wildlife Hospital please visit - https://giving.gg/donate/event/4618/Please-Support-the-GSPCA-Wildlife-Hospital-Appeal .”

“To Buy a Brick in the new Wildlife Hospital and download a leaflet please click here - Buy a Brick for Christmas and help us build a Wildlife Hospital in Guernsey | GSPCA Guernsey .”

“Larger donors or corporates may want to make a larger donation and become an Exclusive Build Partner and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-exclusive-build-partner .”

You can do your bit to prevent animals suffering over the cold period.

Do you have a pond?

If you have a pond, make sure you check it every day for ice, as toxic gases can build up in the water of a frozen pond. These can kill fish or frogs that are hibernating at the bottom.

If a pond does freeze over you can carefully place a saucepan of hot water on the surface to melt the ice gently to create a hole. Never directly tip boiling water straight onto the pond or break ice with force, as this may harm or can even kill the fish living there.

If you own a dog then you must keep them well away from ponds and lakes that are iced over. Thin ice may break under a dog's weight. Also watch out for dogs' paws becoming impacted with snow - this can cause them discomfort.

Feeding birds

We have an amazing selection of birds in Guernsey. Don't forget to look after the wildlife in your garden. In winter, birds may have difficulty finding normal food supplies such as berries, insects, seeds, worms and fruit. An extra tit bit from your kitchen will help to keep them going or you can get a variety of bird feed and feeders at the Animal Shelter.

Hedgehogs

In the UK between November and mid-March hedgehogs normally hibernate but sometimes seen during this time, especially here in Guernsey as our weather is so mild.   For this reason the GSPCA are asking to try and keep aside a hedgehog-friendly area of garden, leaving welcome heaps of leaves and brushwood.

The GSPCA sell a selection of hedgehog food which is designed specifically for them.  Food and fresh water at any time of the year will encourage visiting hedgehogs to return regularly. You could try leaving out food such as minced meat, fresh liver, tinned dog food (not fish-based), or chopped boiled eggs.

Although hedgehogs like milk it can cause severe diarrhoea; the GSPCA ask that you never give them cow’s milk. It is best to give hedgehogs plain, fresh water each night in a shallow bowl.  Also it is important that you do not feed them bread as this is not a natural or healthy diet for them.

Please remember if you find any sick or injured hedgehog or any animal to call the GSPCA on 01481 257261.  Some of the main things to look out for are

 - Any hedgehogs seen out in daylight will need URGENT help

- Hedgehogs do NOT lie out sunbathing

- Any cut or wound is urgent

- Any hedgehog with flies on it or maggots crawling on it needs VERY Urgent help

- Any Hedgehog limping or walking strangely needs help

- Anything that looks very thin or wobbly or has bald patches or missing spines

- If you see a baby hedgehog or any small hedgehog weighing less than about 500 grams, that is about the size of a large orange or small grapefruit, at ANY time, whether day or night, that is out on its own, pick it up, pop it into a box with food and water and contact the Shelter on 01481 257261 

There are lots of things you can do to protect and care for hedgehogs in your garden, to prevent them from becoming sick or injured.

Garden ponds and swimming pools - Make sure there is always an easy route for hedgehogs to climb out of the water. Steps built out of house bricks are often used. Ideally, swimming pools should have shallow steps and a tight-fitting insulating cover should be used overnight.

Strimmers and hedge trimmers - These should be used sparingly under hedges and other areas of undergrowth.  Hedgehogs and other animals are likely to be resting there during the day.  The GSPCA see animals injured by these every month and if this does happen please contact us immediately or pop them to the Shelter as quickly as possible.

Drains - Drains and similar open holes frequently trap unwary hedgehogs and they can starve if they are not rescued. Keep all drain covers in good condition and cover any open holes.

Litter - Litter is a real hazard and hedgehogs frequently get their heads stuck in tins, plastic binders from drinks cans or discarded yoghurt pots.  Please make sure you dispose of your rubbish safely.   Also please ensure that you store any items for recycling in a safe place away from inquisitive hedgehogs.

Nets - Nets particularly those used for tennis, football or cricket, must be furled well above the ground when not in use.  Hedgehogs often get entangled in these nets and die of starvation. Fruit nets are a similar source of danger but can be kept taut to stop animals getting entangled.

Pets – Dogs are often quite inquisitive when they see a hedgehog in the garden.  It is important that your dog doesn’t try to play or pick up a hedgehog as it can both injure the hedgehog and your pet.

Slug pellets - Slug pellets can poison hedgehogs and should only be used as a last resort and some types are now banned in Guernsey. Try using other methods such as beer traps or sprinkling fine sand or ground up shells around the plants you need to protect; rings made of cut down plastic drinks bottles can offer protection to individual plants and aluminium, sulphate-based products can be used over wider areas. If all else fails and you have to use pellets, place them under a slate which is inaccessible to hedgehogs.

Rodenticides – There is new evidence that has shown that hedgehogs are at risk from poisons put down for rats and mice. Although the bait boxes used should not allow hedgehogs to get to the bait, slugs and snails are attracted to the bait and will then store the poison in their bodies, so when the hedgehog eats the slug, they get the poison. So always seriously consider whether you need to use these chemicals and if so, please be very careful.

Bonfires - If you have to light a bonfire, always make sure there are no animals sheltering in the pile.

Juvenile hedgehogs found weighing less than 500 grams (1.1lbs) during late autumn will need help to survive the winter.  The GSPCA would urge anyone that finds a young hedgehog to contact the Shelter for advice during this time of year.

Extra special care for your pets

Your pets really do need extra special care during the cold winter months. Keep a close eye on outdoor pets, such as guinea pigs, rabbits and other animals you may keep outside. Put extra bedding in their home and be prepared to move them into a shed or unused garage for extra shelter whilst the weather is cold.

You need to maintain a regular routine with your dog. You may not feel like taking your dog for a walk on dark wintry evenings, but the exercise will keep your pet happy and healthy and will help to keep you fit as well!

You must remember to always wear reflective clothing to make yourself visible when walking near roads in the dark and a torch is also a good idea. Don't forget your pets too- fit your dog with a reflective collar or coat (we have a selection available at the Animal Shelter).

We advise that horses and ponies that are kept outside during the winter must have access to shelter at all times. They also need a constant supply of fresh water (you must check that ice hasn’t formed on it) and a rug to protect them against the cold and wet. Extra food will be needed too, as winter grazing provides very little nourishment.

We hope this has been some help but any questions please do not hesitate to contact us on 01481 257261

Help us to care for Guernsey’s Animals and Birds this Winter.

Donate

Donate by calling  01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or online https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal

GSPCA Celebrates 150 years in 2023

In February the GSPCA launch GSPCA Purple Month where we kick off our 150 year celebrations and to find out more please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/are-you-supporting-gspca-next-year-when-we-celebrate-our-150th-year-here-are-few-ways-you-could

Sponsored Event

Why not create your own sponsored event or challenge - https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

For lots more ideas why not visit our fundraising page www.gspca.org.gg/fundraising

Wish List

Check out our wish list page from the smallest of items to our biggest of projects there are many ways to support us - http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list

To visit our Amazon Wish list to see some of the items we need to help the wildlife please visit - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/25MJPPDAGXHL1?type=WishList

GSPCA Wildlife Hospital Appeal

To make a direct donation please visit - https://giving.gg/donate/event/4618/Please-Support-the-GSPCA-Wildlife-Hospital-Appeal

To Buy a Brick in the new Wildlife Hospital and download a leaflet please click here - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Buy%20a%20Brick%20Wildlife%20Hospital.pdf

Larger donors or corporates may want to make a larger donation and become an Exclusive Build Partner and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-exclusive-build-partner

Legacies & Bequests

By leaving a gift to the GSPCA in your Will really helps us to improve the lives of animals into the future.  After providing for those you care for, please consider leaving a proportion of what remains to the GSPCA it is so appreciated and makes a real lasting legacy.

A gift like this to the GSPCA ensures our animals and those in Guernsey will always have someone to keep them safe. To find out more please http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding 

Gift Aid on Donations over £500

To find out about the States of Guernsey tax relief information on gift aid up to 2020 on donations totalling between £500 and £5000 please see the details by going to https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=2617&p=0

2021 gift aid is from £500 and up to £7500 and here are the details - https://www.gov.gg/article/151830/Income-tax-relief

To download the form to claim for 2020 or before please follow this link https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=1994&p=0

Become a sponsor and GSPCA member

Why become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor and support our work each month please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf

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  

Share our posts and follow us on social media

Many of you will have seen us on social media and your support liking and sharing our posts is really appreciated, and to visit our social media pages please go to

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GuernseySPCA

Twitter https://twitter.com/GSPCA

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gspca-guernsey-965b0751/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gspca_guernsey/

Subscribe to our Supporters Newsletter

To subscribe to our supporters newsletter and find out about upcoming events and news please go to https://us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9324335c87c8b3ec9f0016f2a&id=e61c951a08

Below are our usual opening times but these are occasionally adjusted to ensure we provide the best of care for the animals and those needing our 24/7 help, in an emergency please call 01481 257261

Upcoming Events we are at and need your help -

Fridays in December in store at Pets at Home for the Santa Paws Appeal

Team Christmas Party Saturday 17^th December 2022 7am to 1115pm at the GSPCA

So here is the current guide to events in 2023 our 150^th year so far -

1^st – 28^th February – GSPCA Purple Month – a time to celebrate the GSPCA 150 years – It is also Responsible Animal Guardian Month

Wednesday 8^thFebruary 2023 – Volunteer Induction Evening

Founding Day of the GSPCA Tuesday 14^th February 2023 – GSPCA Dog First aid Course

Wednesday 15^th February 2023 – GSPCA Cat First aid Course

Wednesday 22^nd February 2023 – National Wildlife Day

Thursday 23^rd February - International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day

Wednesday 29^th March 2023 - Volunteer Induction Evening

March 2023 – Adopt a Rescue Guinea Pig Month

Friday 3^rd March 2023 - World Wildlife Day

Wednesday 22^nd March - International Day of the Seal

Thursday 23^rd March 2023 – National Puppy Day

April 2023 – Easter Virtual Pet Show

Sunday 2^nd April – National Ferret Day

Tuesday 4^th April 2023 – World Rat Day

Tuesday 25^th April 2023 – World Penguin Day

GSPCA 150^th Year Spring Ball – Date to be Confirmed

April 2022 Autism Guernsey and GSPCA Puffin Parade Launch – Date to be Confirmed https://puffinparade.org.gg/

April 2023 – AGM – Date to be Confirmed

May 2023 - International Respect for Chickens Month

7^th May 2023 EDABL Seafront Sunday

Friday 12^th May to Friday 19^th May GSPCA 150^th Year Cupcake Week

Sunday 21^st May 2023 150^th Year Celebrations & Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday

Tuesday 23^rd May 2023 International Turtle Day

Tuesday 30^th May – International Hug Your Cat Day

Wednesday 31^st May 2023 - Volunteer Induction Evening

June 2023 – National Microchipping Month

June 2023 – 150^th Year Sponsored Dog Walk – Date to be Confirmed

4^th June 2023 Arts Seafront Sunday

Summer 2023 – Summer Sunday Family Lunch

Wednesday 14^th June 2023 – World Sea Turtle Day

Sunday 25^th June 2023 – Guernsey Charities Fete

25^th June 2023 EDABL Seafront Sunday

Friday 23^rd June 2023 - Take Your Dog To Work Day

June 26^th to July 3^rd 2023 – National Rabbit Week

Wednesday 12^th July 2023 – Volunteer Induction Evening

Sunday 16^th July 2023 – World Snake Day

6^th August 2023 EDABL Seafront Sunday

13^th August 2023 EDABL Seafront Sunday

Monday 14^th August 2023 – World Lizard Day

August 2023 – West Show

August 2023 – North Show

September 2023 - World Animal Remembrance Month

24^th September 2023 St Johns Ambulance Seafront Sunday

Wednesday 13^th September 2023 - Volunteer Induction Evening

October 2023 - World Animal Month

Wednesday 4^th October 2023 - World Animal Day

Wednesday 25^th October 2023 - Volunteer Induction Evening

Wednesday 8^th November 2023 – GSPCA Dog First aid Course

Wednesday 15^th November 2023 – GSPCA Cat First aid Course

Wednesday 22^nd November 2023 – Volunteer Induction Evening

Monday 4^th December 2023 – World Wildlife Conservation Day

Many more events will be added and dates to be confirmed and if you have any events or ideas to celebrate our 150 years please get in touch…………..