Cats have a 1 in 33 chance on Guernsey roads - could you help us with our online survey?
Submitted by Steve on 12:44, 10th Nov, 2015 |
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Every year the GSPCA are called out to and help between 200 and 300 cats that are injured or killed on the road every year.
During the darker winter months the numbers are at their highest and in just one evening recently 4 cats were brought in to the Shelter between the hours of 10pm and 4am that were killed on our roads.
Over many years the worries for cats on busy roads has always been a real concern. However the GSPCA as have many other rescues noticed that the smaller roads and lanes are often a greater risk and cause of cats being hit by moving vehicles.
With an estimated 10,000 cats in Guernsey and over 300 being killed on our roads every year each cat has an estimated 1 in 33 chance of surviving our roads in any 12 month period.
Studies show it is often the younger cats that haven't developed a road safety sense or the very old which may not be as quick that are affected.
It is a hard and difficult reality that so many cats are killed on the roads every year in Guernsey and sadly as an average we only see around 50% which are microchiped which makes it difficult to contact the owner.
In Jersey animal lovers have recently been coming out in force to protect local moggies on their roads after an outcry over a woman driver beating a cat to death after injuring it in her car.
In Jersey more than 1,800 people have signed an online petition last month supporting calls to give cats the same status as dogs and make it illegal to hit a cat and just drive off.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager "Myself and the team cover the Shelter 24 hours 7 days a week and sadly during the winter months we see a dramatic increase in cats killed on the roads."
"Last month when I was on duty in one night between the hours of 10pm and 4am I had two cats brough in by the police and two by kind members of public who had found them on the side of or in the road."
"Many of the cats killed on our roads are often left and reported by or brought in by kind members of the public."
"It is heart breaking for the team here at the GSPCA when we have to call the owners of cats that are killed on the roads and even more difficult if they aren't microchipped as we can struggle in finding the owner to break the sad news."
"The numbers of other domestic species killed on the roads are thankfully extremely low although we do see quite a few hedgehogs also killed on the roads."
"At the GSPCA we would appeal to all owners of cats to ensure their pet is microchipped as if it is injured it is much easier to transport it to the cats vets and quickly contact the owner."
"We microchip cats, dogs and rabbits for just £4.99 at the Shelter and please do pop in or call us on 257261 for more details."
"Our microchip survey we have been running has shown an overwhelming support towards compulsory microchipping for cats and dogs and we are due to release the results very soon."
"We are now running a survey to ask the question if you hit a cat in a vehicle in Guernsey should you have to report it."
"We aren't saying cats shouldn't be allowed out and about to wander but it is important to look at ways to help your cat such as neutering so they are less likely to explore as far, a reflective safety collar to help at night, microchipping so we can contact an owner quickly if ever the needs arise, to be mindful that the dark long nights cats have a higher risk than that of other times of the year as well as rush hour on the road and ideally keep them in during these times and to train you cat to come in when called can also be useful to help your cat."
Anna Paint Senior Animal Care Assistant said "In our cattery and at the GSPCA we over a thousand cats every year from strays to those being cruelly treated."
"With the many stray cats we see only half are microchipped and for those that are knocked over it makes it really hard to find an owner."
"Only in the last few days have we seen cats which have had injuries by cars and some sadly have been fatalities."
"We are running a couple of online surveys looking at microchipping and also at whether cats hit by cars should have to be reported and it would be great it everyone could help with their feedback."
"On Christmas Day we helped a cat we called 'Socks' (pictured) who was involved with a road traffic accident last year who wasn't microchipped and he was one of the lucky cats that we could save and he is now in a loving new home, but so many aren't so lucky."
Thankfully the incidents of animals being injured by fireworks & bonfires in Guernsey are few and far between; but we mustn’t get too complacent. Below are some basic guidelines that will enable you to help all of our furry and feathered friends to stay calm and safe on and around Bonfire night.
To notify us of your event please email the team at the GSPCA and we can add your firework display to our calendar. Please let us know the location, date and times it is planned for and also if it is public or a private event.
To help please cut and paste the following and input the details -
Location of event:Date of firework event:Time planned to start:Time planned to end:Is the event public or private:Any other helpful details:
Thank you for helping us help pet owners in Guernsey.
GSPCA Firework Advice
Fireworks are exciting and pretty to look at and it is fun to celebrate Guy Fawkes with a bang, but for our furry and feathered friends this time of year can be a nightmare. Many animals domestic and wild suffer needlessly every year.
The GSPCA would like to urge everyone follow our animal friendly firework code and protect your pets and the local wildlife.
Please make sure that your pets are wearing a collar with an identity tag in case they manage to escape from your home. We would also strongly advise that you have your pets microchipped as this enables us to reunite them with you much more easily should they run away. Please call the GSPCA for further details on having your animal microchipped.
Walk your dog during the day.
As soon as it gets dark keep your dog or cat inside. Ensure all of the windows and doors are locked including dog and cat flaps.
Go to an organised display if you can. If you are having a private firework display then build you bonfire as late as possible to reduce the likelihood of any wildlife taking up residence. Before lighting the fire check the area thoroughly for hedgehogs. We are always saddened by the number of hedgehogs we receive that have suffered severe burns.
Please notify your neighbours of your intentions. Especially the elderly and those who have pets.
When horses are startled they are likely to bolt and can suffer serious injuries. Ensure that all horses, ponies and donkeys are securely stabled with the doors closed.
Remember to bring guinea pigs and rabbits inside or place under cover in an out building.
Don’t take your dog to a firework display. If you are going out then draw your curtains, put the television or radio on and provide you pet with a safe hiding place so they feel secure.
If you know that your pet is frightened by loud noises such as fireworks or has an existing heart condition please contact your vet for advice. They may suggest you try an Appeasing Pheromone such as ADAPTIL or Feliway diffusers or may discuss the use of sedatives; depending on your pet’s needs.
Please clean up after firework parties. Litter is hazardous to domestic and wild animals.
Remember NEVER let fireworks off near animals.
Note: ADAPTIL and Feliway products are on sale at the Shelter and have proven to be very effective in calming anxious pets. You should purchase the product as soon as you can for maximum effectiveness on and around Fireworks night. The GSPCA is keen to help owners reduce their pet’s anxieties and now offers these products for almost 50% less than other outlets.
Here is some additional information and videos to help you through the next few weeks with your dog and cat:
If you require further advice please contact the GSPCA on 257261
Sell out tours at the GSPCA and plans for 2016http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/sell-out-tours-gspca-and-plans-2016
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