FIREWORK ADVICE FROM THE GSPCA & DON'T FORGET TO NOTIFY THE STATES ABOUT YOUR EVENT

Every year we hear of firework related incidents involving animals and children. While fireworks may be exciting and pretty to look at and its fun to celebrate many celebrations with a bang, we must put our safety, the safety of our pets and the local wildlife first. 

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “As we fast approach the 5^th November those organizing events are registering their events with the States of Guernsey for their and our firework calendar and we are aware of many events on the 5^th and at least one on the 4^th November.”

“Thankfully there is only one retailer selling fireworks this year.”

“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 -

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.

 For lots more advice, see the fireworks calendar and how to register your event please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/fireworks-frighten-animals

Donate

Donate by calling  01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or online https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal

Puffin Parade

In 2023 we are running a Puffin Parade and to sponsor a 4 foot puffin with the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey go to - https://puffinparade.org.gg/

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

In line with States of Guernsey advice please DO NOT visit the GSPCA if have any symptoms of Coronavirus and we continue visits to the Shelter for only essential reasons and to please call us on 01481 257261 or email [email protected] before your trip to see if we can help without you coming to the Shelter. For the latest information and advice please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/search/node/coronavirus

With huge challenges on our resources and a drop in income from boarding and donations please help us help animals in Guernsey with our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal by donating online via - https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal

Below are our usual opening times but with the current challenges due to covid 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 -

Beau Cinema Event Sunday 30^th October – https://www.guernseytickets.gg/?fbclid=IwAR0MR32dSzZU34tN_zUv5IWt3pow16s0UAeRhgYLlc-yPtALLfo3TZycv5A

Dog First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Wednesday 9th November 2022 - Ref - Dog 9/11 - https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses

Volunteer Induction Evening 630pm Wednesday 23^rd November 2022 https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers

Cat First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Wednesday 30th November 2022 - Ref – Cat30/11 - https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses

2023 GSPCA and Autism Guernsey have the Puffin Parade - https://puffinparade.org.gg/