FIREWORK ADVICE FROM THE GSPCA & DON'T FORGET TO NOTIFY THE STATES ABOUT YOUR CELEBRATIONS
Submitted by Steve on 10:23, 25th Oct, 2023 |
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With a busy firework period fast approaching the GSPCA would like to remind everyone of the notifications to help those affected by the loud bangs and safety information for pet owners.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “With many firework displays confirmed already for the coming days we are reminding all pet and animal owners to do what they can to ensure they are safe, well and cared for.”
“The loud bangs and bright lights can often scare animals and we often see an increase in escaped animals during these periods.”
“We’d advise dog walkers to avoid taking or letting their animals out during the times of these displays and to ensure windows and doors are closed with curtains shut and music playing or the tv on to help drown out the noise.”
“We have plenty of advice online and have products at the GSPCA on sale that can help.”
“Hopefully this firework period and those watching the fireworks can enjoy them and at the GSPCA we want to make sure all of our animals in Guernsey will be safe and well.”
Here is some firework advice from the GSPCA and firework calendar of those we are aware of -
The Firework Code
Keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin
Use them one at a time, replacing the lid immediately
NEVER put fireworks in your pocket
Read the instructions carefully, using a torch or hand lamp NEVER use a naked flame
Light fireworks at arms length using a taper or a firework lighter
Stand well back and NEVER return to a firework after it has been lit, it could explode in your face
Ensure that all children with fireworks are well supervised
NEVER throw fireworks
Keep all pets and animals indoors
Take care of sparklers, wear gloves to hold them and dispose of sparklers in a bucket of water as soon as they are finished
The Animal Firework Code - The GSPCA would like to urge every one to 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 and 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, however don’t take your dog. 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 are having a private firework display then build your 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. Do not light fires or set off fireworks near trees where birds are likely to be roosting.
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.
If you know that you pet is frightened by loud noises such as fireworks or has an existing heart condition please contact your vet for advice.
Please clean up after firework parties. Litter is hazardous to domestic and wild animals.
Remember NEVER let fireworks off near animals.
Help us to continue to keep them safe!
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.
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.
If you require further advice please contact the GSPCA on 257261
Steve continued “There are many ways you can help support our vital 24/7 work and donate or raise funds for the hundreds of animals in our care.”
“With over 100 hedgehogs, dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, fish, reptiles and many birds we help over 3000 animals through the doors every year.”
“If you would like to support our Amazon Wish List and see lists of items that we use every day and things that we are appealing for.”
“We do promote buying items locally but shopping online can help raise funds at the same time as if you select the GSPCA through easy fund raising part of the amount through 1000’s of online retailers comes back to the GSPCA and it has raised over £2500.”
“Sadly Amazon Smile doesn’t allow Guernsey charities to sign up but you can go through easy fund raising to achieve the same donation.”
“As mentioned you can always chose to donate via local stores and the Amazon Wish List is a shop front showing some of the items we need but there are many others and we have published these on our Wish List page http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”
“A gift of a tiny bowl costing less than a £1 to a £600 intensive care unit, every donation is hugely appreciated and really makes the team smile that there are those that care and want to support our work.”
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.
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
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
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
Reception & Shop area
Collecting/Dropping Off Boarding Dogs & Cats
Viewing animals for adoption
Emergencies Call 257261 or the Shelter is manned 24/7
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