GSPCA ask please keep your pets safe this Easter

This weekend tens of thousands of us across the Bailiwick of Guernsey could be putting your pet at risk at if you feed your pet chocolate intended for people or they manage to find those carefully hidden from the children, as many of us might be planning our Easter Egg Hunts at home.

Across the Bailiwick we are all stocking up Easter eggs and chocolate as gifts for family and loved ones, but the GSPCA has an important message for pet owners.

Chocolate is highly poisonous to many pets, with dogs being most commonly affected. and many pet owners are still not aware of the risk.  Chocolate contains theobromine, which is similar to caffeine and highly toxic to dogs and other pets. High quality chocolate poses the biggest risk to pets and an average bar of dark chocolate (30-45g) contains enough theobromine to fatally poison a smaller dog.

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said: "The GSPCA want to ensure all pet are kept safe this Easter.”

“Dogs as well as humans love the taste of chocolate and with their keen sense of smell they will sniff out hidden Easter eggs putting them at risk."

"In households with pets, chocolate should be stored safely and securely and well out of the reach of paws and children’s hands as they may try and feed it to the pets in the household."

"If you would like to get your pets an animal safe Easter treat please contact your pet retail store where they are likely to have a selection on sale and where you can also get appropriate advice."

“With the Easter bunny getting ready for this weekend at the GSPCA we have 45 rabbits currently in our care needing homes.”

“We have 100’smore needing our care and maybe instead of giving eggs this Easter why not think of giving the animals an Easter gift if you can via our donation page https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA) or call us on 01481 257261.”

 Lorna Chadwick GSPCA Animal Welfare Manager said "Every year, vets in Guernsey see cases of chocolate poisoning in animals and sadly, for some, the poisoning can be fatal."

"It is important to feed all of our pets a healthy balanced diet and very important that pet owners are vigilant this weekend with the many chocolates that will be around households across the Bailiwick."

"If you are wanting to treat your dog or pet this Easter then there are a wide variety of treats and specifically manufactured dog chocolates that you can buy from a range of retail outlets, but please ensure moderation as an overweight pet is an unhealthy pet."

Steve continued “This Good Friday and Easter Monday we have Easter children art events and tours of the GSPCA and to find out more check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/good-friday-and-easter-monday-1230pm-childrens-easter-art-event-and-145pm-easter-educational-gu .”

On average the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), a national resource which provides information to vets about poisons and associated treatments, receive 150% more calls about chocolate poisoning in the month of Easter than in the following month.  To see more information by the VPIS go to http://www.vpisuk.co.uk/portal/Home/tabid/85/Default.aspx

How to spot chocolate poisoning –

The effects of chocolate poisoning in dogs usually appear within 12 hours and can last up to three days. Initial signs can include excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea, a tender tummy and restlessness. These symptoms can then progress to hyperactivity, tremors, abnormal heart rate, hyperthermia and rapid breathing. In severe cases there are fits, heart beat irregularities, coma or even death. 

Any dogs showing these signs the GSPCA advises you get in touch with your vet immediately for advice.

Another common food item in the house to avoid feeding dogs is onions, xylitol (a sweetener found in food), small bones (such as chicken and turkey), grapes and raisins as these too can be toxic or cause health risks to dogs.

If you are a cat owner then please be aware that some cats cannot digest the sugar lactose which is found in cows milk and it is best to feed an alternative.

Each year we hold a number of Dog and Cat First Aid Courses and to find out more check out - http://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses

Donate

Donate by calling  01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or online https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

GSPCA Celebrates 150 years in 2023

This year the GSPCA celebrate 150 years and to find out more please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years

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

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

Upcoming Events we are at and need your help -

Are you supporting the GSPCA our 150th year? Here are a few ways you could get involved | GSPCA Guernsey

April 2023 – Easter Virtual Pet Show

Sunday 2^nd April – National Ferret Day

Tuesday 4^th April 2023 – World Rat Day

Good Friday 7^th April 2023 – Easter Art Event at the GSPCA 1230pm

Good Friday 7^th April 2023 – Easter Educational Tours of the GSPCA 145pm

Easter Monday 10^th April 2023 – Easter Art Event at the GSPCA 1230pm

Easter Monday 10^th April 2023 – Easter Educational Tours of the GSPCA 145pm

Possible additional Easter Art and Tour dates to de added

Tuesday 25^th April 2023 – World Penguin Day

April 2022 Autism Guernsey and GSPCA Puffin Parade Launch – Date to be Confirmed https://puffinparade.org.gg/

April 2023 – AGM – Date to be Confirmed

May 2023 - International Respect for Chickens Month

7^th May 2023 EDABL Seafront Sunday

Friday 12^th May to Friday 19^th May GSPCA 150^th Year Cupcake Week https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-cupcake-week

Sunday 21^st May 2023 150^th Year Celebrations & Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday - https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/animal-welfare-sea-front-sunday

Tuesday 23^rd May 2023 International Turtle Day

Tuesday 30^th May – International Hug Your Cat Day

Wednesday 31^st May 2023 - Volunteer Induction Evening

June 2023 – National Microchipping Month

June 2023 – 150^th Year Sponsored Dog Walk – Date to be Confirmed

4^th June 2023 Arts Seafront Sunday

10^th June 2023 Saffrey Rotary Walk https://safferyrotarywalk.org.gg/

Summer 2023 – Summer Sunday Family Lunch

Wednesday 14^th June 2023 – World Sea Turtle Day

Sunday 25^th June 2023 – Guernsey Charities Fete

25^th June 2023 EDABL Seafront Sunday

Friday 23^rd June 2023 - Take Your Dog To Work Day

June 26^th to July 3^rd 2023 – National Rabbit Week

Monday 5^th July 2023 – Viaer MArchi at Saumarez Park - https://nationaltrust.gg/events/all/event/saumarez-park/viaer-marchi-2022/6

Wednesday 12^th July 2023 – Volunteer Induction Evening

Sunday 16^th July 2023 – World Snake Day

6^th August 2023 EDABL Seafront Sunday

13^th August 2023 EDABL Seafront Sunday

Monday 14^th August 2023 – World Lizard Day

16^th and 17^th August 2023 – West Show - https://thewestshow.com/

23^rd and 24^th August 2023 – North Show - https://northshow.org.gg/

September 2023 - World Animal Remembrance Month

GSPCA 150^th Year Ball – Date to be Confirmed

24^th September 2023 St Johns Ambulance Seafront Sunday

Wednesday 13^th September 2023 - Volunteer Induction Evening

October 2023 - World Animal Month

Wednesday 4^th October 2023 - World Animal Day

Wednesday 25^th October 2023 - Volunteer Induction Evening

Wednesday 8^th November 2023 – GSPCA Dog First aid Course

Wednesday 15^th November 2023 – GSPCA Cat First aid Course

Wednesday 22^nd November 2023 – Volunteer Induction Evening

Monday 4^th December 2023 – World Wildlife Conservation Day

Many more events will be added and dates to be confirmed and if you have any events or ideas to celebrate our 150 years please get in touch…………..