On Tuesday 18 February 2025 the States of Guernsey launched the following details and request -
‘The States Veterinary Office (SVO) is inviting islanders to take part in a survey on expanding Guernsey's existing licensing system for animal-related businesses and organisations. This follows on from the call earlier this year for local business owners to contact the SVO to make sure their views are captured.
The States agreed in July 2024 to introduce better protections for animals. Not only does licensing protect animal welfare, help ensure public safety and encourage ethical business practices, a transparent and proportionate licensing system can also provide consumers with confidence in choosing animal care services.
Licensing applies to animal-related activities conducted while running a business or organisation, not cases in which someone simply helps a friend by looking after their dog while they are away, for instance.
The survey is open to all islanders, and the SVO is particularly interested in hearing from people who run local businesses or organisations working with animals, and people who are customers of such enterprises.
Completing the survey is estimated to take around 20 minutes, and islanders can access it online at gov.gg/animalwelfaresurvey. Paper copies of the document can be provided on request by calling 01481 221161 extension 1, or by emailing [email protected].
While the Animal Welfare (Guernsey) Ordinance, 2012 already makes businesses such as pet shops, boarding kennels, riding stables, farriers and others eligible for licensing by the States Veterinary Office, it does not include newer enterprises like dog-walkers, pet-sitters, groomers, pest controllers, or veterinary paraprofessionals such as equine dentists or animal chiropractors - for example.
Grace Hodgkinson, Deputy States Veterinary Officer, said:
"With so many animal lovers in Guernsey, it's vitally important we hear from the broader population - particularly those who regularly work with animals. The feedback from this survey will help shape licensing conditions that will not only enhance animal welfare but also support those working with animals and ensure high standards and service quality for consumers."’
Details can be found by going to - https://gov.gg/survey-licensing-animal-enterprises
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “Animal Welfare and care as well as education is at the heart of all that the GSPCA has for 152 years and continues to strive to do and improve in Guernsey.”
“The Animal Welfare Ordinance 2012 in Guernsey over a decade ago had provisions to further improve animal care and welfare in Guernsey by licensing a number of animal related activities.”
“The States of Guernsey over 10 years later are now looking at this and are currently surveying islanders on their thoughts.”
“The survey and details can be found by going to this link https://gov.gg/survey-licensing-animal-enterprises .”
“Looking at licensing animal businesses to animal charities to breeders of animals is a huge under taking and will no doubt see a range of challenges and the GSPCA would urge all islanders to have a look and give their feedback.”
“The GSPCA are sure there will be a wide range of feelings and feedback from the additional time and costs especially to those that could affect charities to the need of clear guidelines and understanding to ensure a process that is fair to all and ensures the standards of animal welfare and care are at the levels they should be.”
“The GSPCA want to ensure all animals in Guernsey have the standards of welfare they deserve and hope the process isn’t made too complicated but is appropriate for all involved, no less the animals and those that will have these additional processes to follow.”
“The GSPCA investigates 100’s of concerns in regards animal welfare every year, but thankfully nearly all are resolved with a little advice or help.”
To see more on the animal welfare work of GSPCA please visit - https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/animal-welfare
To see links to Guernsey Animal Laws - https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/guernsey-animal-law
GSPCA staff training in Animal Welfare - https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-welfare-cruelty-investigation-training-during-week-first-new-welfare-laws-guernsey-over-d
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 nearly 100 hedgehogs, 2 seal pups recently released, dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, reptiles and many birds we help over 3000 animals through the doors every year.”
“To make a donation, find out more or support our BIGGEST BUILD Appeal please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/biggest-appeal-ever-gspca-big-build-appeal-buy-brick-build-brighter-future-animals-guernsey .”
“Our BIGGEST event is our Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday on the 18th May and for details check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/animal-welfare-sea-front-sunday .“
“We have guided tours this weekend and to book you place check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-half-term-februarymarch-2025-guided-tours-next-weekend-book-now-see-exciting-plans-animal and we have the GSPCA Cupcake Week in May https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-cupcake-week .”
“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or 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 .”
“You can also make a donation to help the animals in our care, please go to https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA) .”
“You can also donate by calling 01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or popping up to the Shelter in St Andrews.”
"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."
“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”
“To visit our x page please click here .”
“Thank you for your support.”
“We couldn’t do so much without your support.”
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