Guernsey

The GSPCA would lie to say a huge thank you and good luck to Andrew Alford who is running the Matterhorn Ultra in aid of the Shelter and animals in our care.

Here are a few words from him and the link to sponsor him online -

Andrew Alford said "So the what am I doing."

"One hungover Sunday a few months ago I decided to run a marathon, not keen on road running I thought I’d do something different and stumbled on the Matterhorn Ultra."

"Having a slightly fuzzy head I didn’t really read up on it, just entered and paid my money."

The GSPCA have run a Volunteer out of hours warden service for over 40 years and we are very proud of our amazing team that do so much to help 1000's of animals in Guernsey every year.

This role entails driving the GSPCA Ambulance and answering the emergency phone out of hours or on the weekend to respond to the varied calls that come in all times of the day and night.

From helping reunite stray dogs to catching baby birds, containing cows in the road to checking reports of injured seals you never know what a call may entail.

The GSPCA have been made aware of a number of concerns from the public regarding livestock that are on fields with or near a plant called ragwort which can cause them harm.

Recently David Chamberlain States Veterinary Officer has released some advice and we wanted to share this with you.

David Chamberlain States Veterinary Officer "Horses are grass grazing animals and preferentially eat grass."

"If little grass is available then they may start to eat other plants including noxious weeds such as ragwort."

On the weekend a dolphin was washed up into the harbour in St Peter Port. The GSPCA who aren't equipped to collect large deceased cetaceans contacted the authorities who assured the Shelter that it would be collected, but it was sadly left until Monday morning before it was moved which upset many.

The GSPCA have been in touch with the Office of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure to find out why it wasn't collected.

Here is the reply from the States on Monday 1st August 2016 -

Last weekend the GSPCA joined in with the fantastic annual Torteval Scarecrow Festival.

This is the second year we have been allowed to join this wonderful family Guernsey event which is held in high esteem by so many.

Last year the GSPCA focused their scarecrow display on Jessie the beagle who had been stray for over two months and was caught only weeks before the event.

On Sunday a packed room at L'Islet Royal British Legion enjoyed a night of bingo raising funds for the GSPCA.

With over 20 games of bingo and cash prizes in three figures, over 180 raffle prizes to win and other games there were many winners with the many supporters.

The GSPCA are hugely grateful to everyone involved and especially to Carol and Maureen and many of the other ladies and callers that helped organise and run what was a very successful evening raising over £1000 for the animals at the GSPCA.

On Saturday the GSPCA joined Le Friquet Family Fun Day.

The day was a great success with hundreds of islanders enjoying many of the free things to do for the children from bouncy castles to face painting, making potted plants to seeing the Giant Animal Mascots.

GSPCA team members Kevin, Shirley, Bridget, Steve, Jo, Jo, Joseph, Jake, Helen and Guy helped with the stall raising over £880 for the 350+ animals at the Animal Shelter.

On Wednesday while the Grand Opening took place the GSPCA held an afternoon Volunteer Induction at the Shelter in St Andrews.

5 new volunteers came along and were inducted by Sarah Creasey Animal Education and Welfare Officer.

The Induction which took place just after 3pm included a talk from Sarah about the work of the GSPCA, what we do, how volunteers can help and training on the health and safety aspects of helping at the Shelter and with our events.

The GSPCA staff have just said their last farewells to Olivia the loggerhead turtle as they head home to Guernsey.

After 5 months of care Olivia is now in a pool at the Centro de Recuperación de Fauna Silvestre de Tafira.

Earlier this morning Olivia was placed in a large pool at their rescue centre in Gran Canaria and she has already made herself at home.

Olivia will likely only be at the rescue in Las Palmas for a very short period as they feel she is ready for release after the care of the fantastic team at the GSPCA.

Today marked a huge step and milestone in the history of the GSPCA as our New Multi Purpose Animal Welfare Building was officially opened.

Over 70 volunteers, staff, Build Partners, key supporters, Deputies, and VIP's attended the official opening which took place on Wednesday 27th July 2016 at 2pm.

The reception started at 1.15pm and we must say thank you to Mr and Mrs Naftel for allowing us the use of the field to park the many vehicles.