Guernsey

Last night we greeted over 2 dozen volunteers and friends who packed the Shelter in St Andrews.

Of the 28 attendees 21 were interested in starting volunteering and finding out about the GSPCA.

The volunteer induction was given by GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne which started just after 6.30pm.

The new volunteers enjoyed sandwiches which had been kindly donated and the group found out about the work of the GSPCA, how they could help and an induction on working safely.

A pack was handed to each and also a certificate of attendance and thanks.

Earlier this week the team from Dorfmeister Studios popped in whilst we were feeding Bonnie the seal pup to kindly put together a promotional video of her progress.

Putting on weight every day with the fresh fish she is having to be fed, the team at the GSPCA are overjoyed with her progress so far.

In the Autumn Term of 2015 Guernsey schools were invited to take part in the GSPCA Design an Advert Competition.

The competition which was run by Simone Richards the Lead Technology Teacher and GSPCA Welfare and Education Officer Sarah Creasey was rolled out to achieve a number of educational aims including -

10 days ago grey seal pup 'Bonnie' was rescued on the south coast at the base of a steep cliff.

At only 14kgs she was without doubt the sickest pup we have ever seen at the GSPCA.

The team at the GSPCA are pleased to update that she is doing well and now on solid fish and has become a very hungry lady.

After around the clock tube feeding, medications, vet treatment and a blended fresh fish feed she is now managing whole fish on her own.

Although still very early days in her rehab she appears to be putting on weight and growing in strength day by day.

In 2014 a scheme was launched to help protect Guernsey pets while providing funding for the island’s leading animal charity.

Rossborough has pledged to give £10 to the Guernsey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals each time an islander takes out pet insurance.

The partnership has been a huge boost for the charity, which last year undertook the largest ever redevelopment project of its site in St Andrew’s.

The GSPCA has been situated in the heart of Guernsey in the Parish of St Andrews since 1929.

The GSPCA site has transformed over the years and especially in recent years with the kennels being rebuilt in 2005 and the new multi purpose animal welfare building in 2016.

The Animal Shelter helps in excess of 3000 animals every year that come though the doors, but there are many more supported by the work we do.

Nearly a week ago a very sick and injured grey seal pup was rescued on the South coast of Guernsey.

Bonnie has she has been named is without doubt the weakest seal pup ever to be rescued by the GSPCA and the team were overjoyed that she survived the rescue and the first few days.

At only 14kg at time of rescue Bonnie was 26kg lighter than she should be for her age which was only around 2 weeks old.

On Saturday the GSPCA rescued the first sick seal pup in nearly 2 years.

After what was a fairly mild Winter last year many birds and animals have had a much harder season this year with dozens of oiled sea birds being rescued over the last few weeks.

Geoff George Animal Collection Officer was called out on Saturday to what was reported to be a seal pup at Corbier.

When Geoff arrived at the scene he was faced with a steep climb and without doubt one of the thinnest pups we have ever rescued.

There are only a few days to nominate a team or someone for the CEVA dedicated Welfare Awards - www.cevawelfareawards.com

Please note nominations can only be submitted electronically via the website this year. Nominations will be accepted until early next week.

Last year GSPCA President and local vet John Knight won the Vet of the Year category and our very own Yvonne Chauvel the GSPCA Senior Animal Care Assistant was a finalist for the Charity Professional of the Year Award.

The Environment Department is advising dog owners to keep pets away from any white substance they may find on local beaches.

Small lumps of a white waxy substance have been found today at Grandes Rocques Bay by a member of the public. Lumps of a similar substance found in south Devon and Cornwall in December 2014 were identified as degraded edible oil or fat. If the substance is degraded oil, whilst not harmful to human health, it could pose a danger to dogs if it has gone rancid.