Yesterday the GSPCA were called out to an injured gannet at Jaonnaise Bay.
Animal Collection Officer Geoff George attended the site where he had a fair walk to find the trapped bird.
As the sun was setting during early evening Geoff found the poor bird trapped in discarded fishing netting.
It was difficult to say how long the bird had been there so he quickly restrained the bird got it back to the van and brought the bird back to the Shelter in St Andrews.
The bird has survived over night and staff are currently monitoring its progress.
Geoff George Animal Collection Officer said "The bird was trapped in fishing nets and we don't know how long it will have been trapped where we found it at Jaonnaise Bay."
"Every month we get birds trapped or injured by discarded fishing nets and hooks and it is so important not to do this as it can kill these beautiful birds."
"We've called the juvenile bird 'Albert' and we are hopeful to get this wonderful gannet back to the wild as soon as it is strong enough."
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager said "This bird is so lucky as so many injured sea birds from fishing waste are killed every year."
"The start of 2014 was a horrendous year for many local seabirds due to the bad weather which is enough of a challenge without this unnecessary suffering."
"On the GSPCA website there is plenty of advice on how you can help stop this and also about what to do if you find injured wildlife."
To see pictures from the rescue please click here.
What you can do to help to help the animals of Guernsey
Protecting pets, farm animals and wildlife from harmful rubbish is straightforward – simply dispose of your waste responsibly.
- Recycle and reuse where you can
- Otherwise take your rubbish home and put it in a bin.
Everyday objects can become hazards to animals and birds
- Balloons - Once balloons burst, animals can mistake them for food and can choke. Avoid balloon releases, as the balloons can land anywhere, and cut used balloons into pieces before putting in the bin.
- Containers and cans- Attracted by leftovers, animals will forage inside and get their heads trapped. Larger animals may get their tongues caught or damaged by sharp edges. Animals such as cats, gulls, rats and dogs often rummage in rubbish bins. Clean cans and containers, drop lids inside cans, and cut containers in half or pinch cans shut. Try to recycle where possible.
- Elastic bands - These get caught around necks of small animals and beaks of birds. They can also be swallowed, causing an animal to choke. Whenever possible reuse bands, and cut them open before putting them in a bin.
- Fishing tackle - Line can get caught around legs, wings, necks and beaks, and hooks can pierce skin and muscle or be swallowed causing internal injuries. Every month the GSPCA have to help birds that have been caught and entangled.
- Take unwanted line home and cut it into small pieces before putting it in a bin.
- Wrap hooks in newspaper before putting in a bin.
- Glass - Bottles and jars break easily, leaving sharp pieces that can cause serious injury. Animals can get trapped in glass jars. Clean and then recycle glass at a bottle bank.
- Plastic bags - Animals such as hedgehogs can climb inside and suffocate, or eat them and choke. Tie a knot in all bags before disposing of them or, better still, reuse or recycle. Each bag takes hundreds of years to decompose and are not broken down once eaten so can kill more than one animal.
- Plastic can holders- Animals can get entangled, causing deep sores, wounds and choking. Always cut the loops before putting in a rubbish or recycling bin.
Please help keep Guernsey tidy and our animals safe.
Have you thought of sponsoring an animal pen at the GSPCA? For more details please click here.
Gannets
Adults gannets are large birds white are bright white with black wingtips. They are distinctively shaped with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings.
At sea they flap and then glide low over the water, often travelling in small groups. Gannets feed by flying high and circling before plunging into the sea. They breed in significant numbers at only a few localities and are on the Amber List species.
To see a list of the upcoming GSPCA events please click here.
To see pictures from the Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday please click here.
To see lots of videos from the day please visit our youtube page by clicking here
Have you got a GSPCA Hoody, Polo Shirt, Sweat Shirt or T-shirt? If not get yours by clicking here.
We have lots of animals in need of homes. Could you help us advertise them? To download a the posters please click here. or to share them on social media please click here.
To find out about our Events, how to become a Member, Sponsor an Animal Pen, our Wish List, Corporate Sponsorship & Volunteering, , our New Build & Redevelopment Appeal and much more please click here.
There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA and you can even donate online by clicking the paypal link below.
By post cheques payable to 'GSPCA' - GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD
Or by phone 01481 257261.
To find out more regarding our Angel Sponsorship Scheme please click here.
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Here is the latest from the GSPCA Twitter feed -
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