Amber Snow Warning GSPCA Winter Advice for Guernsey's Animals and Birds

With cold winter weather soon to be upon us 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 Winter and the Amber Snow Warning for tomorrow the GSPCA want to ensure pets and other animals are safe and have all they need."

"Whether you have a rabbit living outside or wild birds visiting the garden we would ask to ensure your pets are protected and have all they need and where possible please help our wildlife by putting fresh food and water out for them if it does reach freezing temperatures."

"We have a web page full of advice for what to do if you find a sick or injured wild animals or bird which you can see by going to http://www.gspca.org.gg/animals/wildlife-advice and also have our 24/7 emergency line on 257261 but please do be mindful the team may too struggle to navigate if we do have snow although we have helpful equipment and grit to help us at the GSPCA."

“Hopefully this cold snap won’t cause any issues but we have put together some helpful advice.”

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

But you can also 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.

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.

Steve continued “As well as the challenges of weather it is non stop at the GSPCA like our BIGGEST upcoming project which is our BIG BUILD And to find out more please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggest-build-appeal.”

“As well as the BIG BUILD we have the Dolphin Discovery Trail 2025 with Autism Guernsey which we are quickly filling all the sponsor spaces and to find out more please go to https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/year-puffin-parade-auction-could-you-or-your-business-sponsor-dolphin-dolphin-discovery-trail-2 .”

“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List we have this page with loads of info http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”

“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please do check out http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “

“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please have a look at http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “

“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”

“We also have loads of ways to support us and to donate in this link including information on our BIGGEST BUILD appeal  https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years .”

“To see a list of the many events coming up check out those below or on any of our latest blogs https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog “

“We couldn’t do so much without your support.”

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)

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/gspca-biggest-build-appeal

GSPCA Celebrates 150 years in 2023 and 151 years in 2024

This year the GSPCA celebrate 150 into 151 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 -  

Cat First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Tuesday 19th November 2024 - Ref - Cat 19/11 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses

Dog First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Tuesday 10th December 2024 - Ref - Dog 10/12 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses

Christmas Tours – to be confirmed

February 2025 Tours – to be confirmed

Easter 2025 Tours – to be confirmed

2025 – Dolphin Parade - https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/coming-guernsey-2025-dolphin-parade-thanks-gspca-autism-guernsey

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