12 New Volunteers join the GSPCA at last nights Volunteer Induction in #GSPCAPurpleWeek

At the GSPCA we have been helping animals around the clock for over 150 years.

We have incredible support thanks to our amazing team of volunteers and so many groups and companies that volunteer to help the GSPCA and the vast range of work we carry out 24/7.

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “This week we celebrate GSPCA Purple Week and moving from 150 into 151 years and as part of the celebrations last night we had a Volunteer Induction Evening.”

“We welcomed 12 new volunteers who are starting over the coming weeks and we were delighted to meet them all.”

“We are so luck to have over 800 volunteers help us every year from individuals to groups and businesses and we couldn’t do so much without all that help and are part of our fabulous team.”

Did you know the GSPCA are looking for a Volunteer Warden?

For the last 50 years we have had an incredible team of volunteers that help ensure our Animal Ambulance is manned between 6pm and 8am 7 days a week.

We are currently recruiting for an Animal Ambulance Wardens and if you are interested please call 25721, pop in or email [email protected] .

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “The GSPCA really could not do so much without its amazing team of volunteers and supporters which have helped today for 151 years.”

“From the Committee to those that walk dogs, fund raisers to those that help with admin, gardeners to those helping with IT, the companies who send their staff to help to so many others the list goes on and on.”

“With the GSPCA providing 24/7 we couldn’t do so much without our amazing team.”

“In recent years with all the challenges our volunteers have really been on the frontline and especially our GSPCA Animal Ambulance Wardens and we cannot thank them enough.”

“The Wardens are volunteers that go out all hours to help sick, injured and stray animals and are part of a team that has spanned nearly 50 years in providing and filling this volunteer role.”

“From rescuing animals stuck up chimneys to rounding up stray farm animals the Wardens are truly incredible and even get calls for snakes that turn out to be a geocache.”

“We are currently looking for a volunteer to help cover our Animal Ambulance as a Warden.”

“There is training and support involved and you do need to be able to drive.”

“If interested do please get in touch as we’d love to hear from you.”

“There are many ways you can help volunteer and the next Volunteer Induction Evening is Tuesday 16^th April and is open to all, but volunteers do need to be 16 or over to help at the Animal Shelter, but as mentioned please get in touch if you can help sooner.”

“From storm damage to rescuing seal pups we have been so busy at the GSPCA and there are many other ways to support our work.”

“To make a donation to help the animals 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 donation or support our BIGGEST BUILD Appeal please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/biggest-appeal-ever-gspca-big-build-appeal-buy-brick-build-brighter-future-animals-guernsey .”

"For lots of ways to support our work in our 150th year please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."

To see more on our Ambulance Wardens please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/24-hour-emergency-wardens

Next Induction dates set is –

Tuesday 16^th April 2024 630pm Volunteer Induction Evening

Wednesday 12^th June 2024 630pm Volunteer Induction Evening

Tuesday 23^rd July 2024 630pm Volunteer Induction Evening

Tuesday 10^th September 2024 630pm Volunteer Induction Evening

Tuesday 5^th November 2024 630pm Volunteer Induction Evening

We are looking for volunteers in the following areas –

• Pop Up Charity Shop Organisor/Co-ordinator
• Ambulance Warden Volunteer
• Animal Care Volunteers
• Dog Walkers
• Cat Socialisers
• Reception and Administration Volunteers
• Shop Volunteers
• Gardening Volunteers
• Ambulance Volunteer Drivers
• If you have specific skills you think could help with training please do get in touch
• Fundraising Volunteers
• Maintenance Volunteers
• Education Volunteers
• Cleaning Volunteers
• Laundry Volunteers
• Open to new ideas for volunteers to help

Steve continued “We have many roles available for volunteers and always open to new ideas.”

“As mentioned we are specifically looking for a new Volunteers Animal Ambulance Driver to help which involves covering emergency calls from 6pm until 8am the following morning each week or on the weekends in the day.”

“If you can’t make the next induction fear not as you can download and return the following application form to [email protected] and we can arrange a remote induction

 http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Volunteer%20Application%20Au...  

For a PDF application chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/viewer.html?pdfurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gspca.org.gg%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2FVolunteer%2520Application%2520Aug%25202021.pdf&clen=67366&chunk=true .”

“We are hoping to open a Pop Up Charity Shop if anyone is interested in helping.”

“As well as volunteers we are looking to recruit those keen to help animals, make a difference and support our community and start a career in animal care at the GSPCA.”

“Every day we help save lives and support our community in a vast array of ways as we have done for 151 years.”

“With the winter here many animals are struggling and we value any help anyone can give.”

“We also have paid positions at the GSPCA.”

“To apply for a paid position please download the application pack below, call 257261 and we can post one out, email [email protected] or pop in to collect a pack.”

"All this year we are celebrating 150 years and there are many ways to get involved - https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-year ."

“We are also always looking for volunteers that would like to help at our events and with fund raising like the Seafront Sundays and Sumer Shows and you can see many of the events we are doing on the base of our blog pages.”

“To find out more you can email us via [email protected] or call 257261 .”

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

We are currently advertising for additional staff members at the GSPCA and we are looking for the following:

• Full Time Animal Care Assistant Post with Night Duties
• Weekend Hedgehog & Wildlife Assistant
• Weekend Receptionist (various hours available)
• Weekend Maintenance and Animal Ambulance
• Casual Animal Care Assistant and Receptionists

We have some departments that require specific help on weekends especially the hedgehog and wildlife areas, the cattery, reception on Saturdays and help with maintenance and the animal ambulance.

If you would like to apply for a vacancy to download a pack please click here https://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/application_pack_ACA_Recep_pack_Jan_2024.pdf  

You can also get a pack sent out by popping in, calling 01481 257261 or email [email protected]

All applicants are required to complete an application form which is included in the pack and return it to the GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD or email [email protected]

To find out about corporate volunteer days please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship

Donate

Donate by calling  01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or online https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

GSPCA Purple Week

To find out all about our GSPCA Purple Week Friday 9th until Friday 16th February 2024 please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-purple-week

BIGGEST BUILD APPEAL

The GSPCA have the BIGGEST BUILD APPEAL in our 150 year history and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/biggest-appeal-ever-gspca-big-build-appeal-buy-brick-build-brighter-future-animals-guernsey

GSPCA Celebrates 150 years in 2023

This year the GSPCA celebrate 150 years and to find out more please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years

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 -

Are you supporting the GSPCA our 150th year? Here are a few ways you could get involved | GSPCA Guernsey

GSPCA Purple Week Friday 9th – Friday 16th February 2024 https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-purple-week

GSPCA Purple Week Guided Tour Saturday 10^th February 2024 130pm - 3pm To book please go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-purple-week-guided-tours-tickets-627151335527?aff=oddtdtcreator

GSPCA 150th Year Ball Saturday 10th February 2024 https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/book-now-main-entertainment-announced-gspca-150-year-ball-during-gspca-purple-week-saturday-10t  

GSPCA Purple Week Guided Tour Sunday 11^th February 2024 130pm - 3pm To book please go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-purple-week-guided-tours-tickets-627151335527?aff=oddtdtcreator

GSPCA Purple Week Guided Tour Monday 12^th February 2024 1pm - 230pm To book please go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-purple-week-guided-tours-tickets-627151335527?aff=oddtdtcreator

GSPCA Purple Week Guided Tour Tuesday 13^th February 2024 1pm - 230pm To book please go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-purple-week-guided-tours-tickets-627151335527?aff=oddtdtcreator

GSPCA Purple Week Guided Tour Wednesday 14^th February 2024 1pm - 230pm To book please go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-purple-week-guided-tours-tickets-627151335527?aff=oddtdtcreator

GSPCA Purple Week Guided Tour Saturday 17^th February 2024 130pm - 3pm To book please go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-purple-week-guided-tours-tickets-627151335527?aff=oddtdtcreator

Tuesday 13th February 2024 630pm Volunteer Induction Evening https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers

GSPCA Purple Week Guided Tour https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-purple-week-guided-tours-tickets-627151335527?aff=oddtdtcreator

GSPCA Purple Week Guided Tour https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-purple-week-guided-tours-tickets-627151335527?aff=oddtdtcreator  

Dog First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Tuesday 12th March 2024 - Ref - Dog 12/3 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses

Cat First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Tuesday 19th March 2024 - Ref - Cat 19/3 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses

Tuesday 16th April 2024 630pm Volunteer Induction Evening https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers

GSPCA Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday 19^th May 2024 https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/animal-welfare-sea-front-sunday

Wednesday 12th June 2024 630pm Volunteer Induction Evening https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers

Tuesday 23rd July 2024 630pm Volunteer Induction Evening https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers

Tuesday 10th September 2024 630pm Volunteer Induction Evening https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers

Tuesday 5th November 2024 630pm Volunteer Induction Evening https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers

Dog First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Tuesday 12th November 2024 - Ref - Dog 12/9 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses

Cat First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Tuesday 19th November 2024 - Ref - Cat 19/9 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses

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…………..

Seb has undergone training and assessment over the last six months and she has been amazing to teach and work along side in what can be a difficult, but also highly rewarding, area of animal welfare.  She has demonstrated excellent leadership and communication skills and has a natural ability to teach and mentor future rehoming staff.  Seb has shown a natural empathy and understanding, something that is essential as she supports the rehoming staff, previous owners, and potential adopters. A commitment to the promotion of best practice in the rehoming of rescue dogs and a dedication to animal welfare in the kennel environment have also been a priority for her. Well done Seb.

Arnold

St Johns SFS

Ceramic

Ono

FM

Ocoriane

Dave B

John Randall

Pin Badges

Bucket Hats

Vacancies

Big Build

Apax

Arthrtis talk

Hoglets

Chipping

L&F

Lib Day Coronation G Together Taste

Safrey

Coop tins

Apax 13 sept

Insurance corp 17/18/20 September

Specsavers 19 sep

Walkers 28 sep

Tours

BNP December 8^th 

Northern trust 3rd nov

Seb

Volunteers

Ball

Dolly the 8th poorly grey seal pup now at the GSPCA meaning the most we have had at one time

This afternoon the 4th Guernsey poorly grey seal pup was rescued and second this year from Fort Doyle.

Dolly as she has been named is the 8^th seal pup to come into our care this season making it the most ever seal pups we have ever had at one time.

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)

Geoff George GSPCA Head of Marine Mammals said “This afternoon we had another call about a possible injured seal pup from Fort Doyle.”

“Myself and GSPCA team member Neil Hughes attended where there was another very poorly pup.”

“Dolly is not the thinnest seal pup we have rescued as she is 27kgs but she is very dehydrated with a heavy worm burden, chest infection and wounds on her flippers.”

“As mentioned we have named her Dolly and she is currently with Doyle in the intensive care unit area for seals at the GSPCA while all the other 6 are not out on our pools doing really well.”

“Dolly joins Didier, Maya, Faulkner and Jem the seal pups from Jersey and Doyle, Grinch and Baby Shark 3 local pups.”

“Faulkner and Jem are doing really well and we are looking to see if we could release them in Jersey where they were rescued very soon.”

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “Doly is the 8^th pup this season and the fourth local Guernsey pup which is the most we have had at one time.”

“Dolly isn’the thinnest of seal pups we have had but still a goot 10-15kgs lighter than she should be and has a lot of health issues.”

“Geoff and the team have got her safely to the Animal Shelter where he is now received fluids and around the clock care.”

“The 4 other Jersey seal pups and 3 other Guernsey pups are doing well and most are enjoying the pools we have at the GSPCA.”

“We weren’t planning on caring for seals long term this season and we have a number of challenges and really need help.”

“One was storage and we must say a huge thanks to Ferry Speed who are kindly housing the pallets of fish we are using for the seal pups, it is really appreciated.”

“We do need mackerel and herring if anyone has any but feeding poorly animals we animals need in date human edible quality to ensure we give the seal pups the best diet and chance to build their health.”

“The recent months have seen many challenges as many of our outer aviaries, pens, fences and equipment were sadly damaged or destroyed due to Storm Ciaran.”

"Due to the storm we have launched an Urgent Appeal for funds due to the damage as we need to clear fallen trees and build new enclosures which can be seen by going to https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-launches-urgent-fundraising-appeal-wake-storm-ciaran .”

“As well as funds we really need a couple of portakabins to house some of the displaced animals including the seals during the rebuild until we can build new enclosures and also ahead of our BIG BUILD.”

“Dolly, Doyle, Didier, Maya, Faulkner, Jem, Grinch, Baby Shark and Barnacle Bill the loggerhead turtle are just 9 of the casualties due to the recent storms.”

“In the last decade we have released 32 grey seal pups back into the wild.”

"We have some great web pages with advice on what to do if you see a seal pup which are being born at this time of year or oiled birds, although we are only a call away on 257261."

"With young seal pups the main piece of advice is to please not approach them as you can scare their mother away and if you see one to please call us on 257261 and we can make sure they are safe or give advice."

"For those out with dogs please don't let them approach seal pups as this can scare th eir mothers off and if they were to bite your dog and cause a nasty injury."

"As well as wildlife we have to ensure our own pets and animals are safe and secure with the high winds as we often see dogs escaping from gates being blown open to farm animals escaping."

“The pup season is now here again and if you do see a seal pup please do give us a call on 257261 or send a few pictures via our facebook or [email protected] so we can monitor them.”

“For advice on what to do and how to identify a sick seal pup check out our advice page http://www.gspca.org.gg/animal/seal-advice “

“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 .”

"For lots of ways to support our work in our 150th year please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-150th-ball-st-pierre-park-hotel-saturday-30th-september-tickets-sale-and-could-you-spon-0 ."

“We also have our 150th Ball on the 10th February and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/book-now-main-entertainment-announced-gspca-150-year-ball-during-gspca-purple-week-saturday-10t .”

To see videos of the seal pups please check out GSPCA Guernsey - YouTube

If You Spot A Seal Pup

If you find a seal pup that looks FIT AND HEALTHY and it shows no signs of distress, you may consider monitoring it from a safe distance for 24 hours. Unfortunately, too many seal pups get taken into captivity because people think they have been abandoned. If the mother does not return within 24 hours, we would ask you to contact 01481 257261.

A healthy pup looks like a big, stuffed maggot without a neck. However, a thin pup looks sleek (but not bony) and has a visible neck, like a healthy dog.

PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH THE SEAL. They can give a nasty bite, which will become infected by bacteria that live in a seal’s mouths.

Note: Do not allow dogs or other animals to harass a seal.

If a seal is scared back into the water, it could then be washed out to sea by strong currents and be lost. You should not put a seal pup back in the sea as it may get into difficulty.

If a seal pup is sick, thin or injured then we would ask you to contact our 24-hour cruelty and advice line

When reporting an injured, sick or abandoned seal to the GSPCA, please make sure you are able to supply the following information:

• Exact location; nearest town / village
• Position on the beach, and state of the tide
• How long you have observed the pup; any disturbance / risk to it; whether the mother has been seen
• Any wounds / obvious signs of illness
• Length/colour/condition.

Caution:- Handling of any animal either domestic, wild, dead or alive may be potentially hazardous. Obvious dangers include bites, scratches and general hygiene issues. Common sense should be applied in all instances and, if unsure, seek additional advice or assistance. Personal hygiene should be taken into consideration after handling any animal, whether it’s domestic, wild, dead or alive.

For any questions please contact 01481 257261

Please remember and keep your animals and pets safe during the high winds, especially those that are kept outdoors.

Here is a table of the seals we have helped back to the wild and those in our care -

To see some of the previous stories about seals please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/tag/seals .

Some grey seal facts -

• Population numbers since 1960s have doubled
• A grey seal pup weighs 14kg at birth
• A grey seal pup mothers milk contains 60% fat
• Grey seals can dive to a depth of 70m
• Another name for a grey seal is the horsehead seal
• Grey seals are found in the waters surrounding Europe, Russia, North America, and Channel Islands
• Grey seals can be found in estuaries, inter tidal zones, brackish water, polar and shallow seas
• There are 18 known species of seal in the world
• Many sick seal pups need tube feeding every 2-3 hours day and night on arrival
• The seal pups in our care once eating will consume 20-30 herring or mackerel each day
• We aim for a release weight in excess of 40 kg, with good weather and a remote location
• The GSPCA has returned 32 seals back to the wild in the last ten years

For advice on what to do if you see or find sick or injured wildlife please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/animals/wildlife-advice or call 01481 257261

To videos of the seal pups and other animals please visit https://www.youtube.com/user/TheGuernseySPCA