Submitted by Steve on 09:16, 30th Mar, 2024 | 0

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 30 rabbits currently in our care needing homes.”

“We have 100’s more animals 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 Easter we have tours of the GSPCA and to find out more check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-easter-guided-tours-easter-saturday-30th-wednesday-3rd-april-book-your-tickets-now-you-or .”

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, diarrhea, 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)

BIGGEST BUILD APPEAL

The GSPCA have the BIGGEST BUILD APPEAL in our 150 year history and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/biggest-appeal-ever-gspca-big-build-appeal-buy-brick-build-brighter-future-animals-guernsey

GSPCA Celebrates 150 years in 2023 and 151 years in 2024

This year the GSPCA celebrate 150 into 151 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

 

Reception & Shop area

Collecting/Dropping Off Boarding Dogs & Cats

Viewing animals for adoption

Emergencies Call 257261 or the Shelter is manned 24/7

GSPCA Charity Shop in Smith Street

Monday’s

9am – 5pm

11am – 4pm

11am – 4pm

 24/7

8am - 530pm

Tuesday’s

9am – 5pm

11am – 4pm

11am – 4pm

 24/7

8am - 530pm

Wednesday’s

9am – 5pm

11am – 4pm

11am – 4pm

24/7

8am - 530pm

Thursday’s

9am – 5pm

11am – 4pm

11am – 4pm

24/7

8am - 530pm

Friday’s

9am – 5pm

11am – 4pm

11am – 4pm

 24/7

8am - 530pm

Saturday’s

9am – 5pm

11am – 4pm

11am – 4pm

 24/7

8am - 530pm

Sunday’s

11am – 4pm

11am – 4pm

11am – 4pm

 24/7

Closed

Bank Holiday’s

(**Varied times**)

**Possibly 11am – 4pm**

**Possibly 11am – 4pm**

**Possibly 11am – 4pm**

24/7

Closed unless advertised

 

Upcoming Events we are at and need your help -

Easter Pets Foundation Appeal fund raising for the GSPCA 22nd March – 1st April – Volunteers needed - https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/volunteers-needed-collect-pets-home-easter-pets-foundation-appeal-fund-raising-gspca

GSPCA Easter Guided Tour Saturday 30th March 2024 130pm - 3pm To book please go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-easter-guided-tours-tickets-627151335527?aff=oddtdtcreator

GSPCA Easter Guided Tour Sunday 31st March 2024 130pm - 3pm To book please go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-easter-guided-tours-tickets-627151335527?aff=oddtdtcreator

GSPCA Easter Guided Tour Monday 1st April 2024 130pm - 3pm To book please go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-easter-guided-tours-tickets-627151335527?aff=oddtdtcreator

GSPCA Easter Guided Tour Tuesday 2nd April 2024 130pm - 3pm To book please go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-easter-guided-tours-tickets-627151335527?aff=oddtdtcreator

GSPCA Easter Guided Tour Wednesday 3rd April 2024 130pm - 3pm To book please go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-easter-guided-tours-tickets-627151335527?aff=oddtdtcreator

Tuesday 16th April 2024 630pm Volunteer Induction Evening https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers

Sunday 5th May 2024 - EDABL Seafront Sunday - https://www.edablgsy.org/

GSPCA Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday 19th May 2024 https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/animal-welfare-sea-front-sunday

Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th May 2024 Guernsey Together Festival – to be confirmed

Sunday 9th June 2024 – Arts Seafront Sunday https://arts.gg/events/arts-sunday-2024/

Wednesday 12th June 2024 630pm Volunteer Induction Evening https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers

Sunday 16th June 2024 - EDABL Seafront Sunday - https://www.edablgsy.org/

Sunday 14th July 2024 – Motor Seafront Sunday - https://www.facebook.com/guernseymotorfestival

Tuesday 23rd July 2024 630pm Volunteer Induction Evening https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers

Summer Tours – to be confirmed

Sunday 28th July 2024 - EDABL Seafront Sunday - https://www.edablgsy.org/

Saturday 10th August 2024 – South Show - https://www.facebook.com/p/The-South-Show-Guernsey-100063716101224/

Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th August 2024 – West Show - https://thewestshow.com/

Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd August 2024 – North Show - https://northshow.org.gg/

Sunday 25th August 2024 - EDABL Seafront Sunday - https://www.edablgsy.org/

Tuesday 10th September 2024 630pm Volunteer Induction Evening https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers

Wednesday 2nd to Sunday 6th October 2024 - Skipton Swimarathon - https://www.swimarathon.org/

October Half Term Tours – to be confirmed

Tuesday 5th November 2024 630pm Volunteer Induction Evening https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers

Dog First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Tuesday 12th November 2024 - Ref - Dog 12/11 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses

Cat First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Tuesday 19th November 2024 - Ref - Cat 19/11 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses

Christmas Tours – to be confirmed

February 2025 Tours – to be confirmed

Easter 2025 Tours – to be confirmed

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

 

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