GSPCA ask why the deceased dolphin was left at the weekend - here is the response
Submitted by Steve on 09:50, 3rd Aug, 2016 |
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On the weekend a dolphin was washed up into the harbour in St Peter Port. The GSPCA who aren't equipped to collect large deceased cetaceans contacted the authorities who assured the Shelter that it would be collected, but it was sadly left until Monday morning before it was moved which upset many.
The GSPCA have been in touch with the Office of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure to find out why it wasn't collected.
Here is the reply from the States on Monday 1st August 2016 -
The States of Guernsey apologises to anyone who was upset by the sight of the body of a dolphin that came ashore in St Peter Port Harbour at the weekend. The Office of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure deals with animal carcasses washed up on local beaches. This is most common in the winter months, when the beaches are not busy, and in most instances the animal will be moved to a suitable position where it will be carried away on the next tide. On this occasion, there was initially some confusion over whether a team from States Works needed to be called out on the weekend, under the normal arrangements. This was because the dolphin did not come ashore on a beach, but close to Castle Emplacement, which is an area under Guernsey Harbours’ control. It was also understood that at some point the carcass may have been moved to a position where the tide would have taken it away. A spokesman said: “There was a breakdown in communication, and unfortunately that meant on this occasion we did not respond to the incident as quickly as we would normally, under similar circumstances. We apologise for any distress this caused. “Access to the Castle Emplacement area is managed by Guernsey Harbours, but they do not have experience in dealing with the washed up animals. We will look at how we respond to such an incident, but it is likely to be a very rare occurrence. It is a far more common occurrence on an exposed beach, and we are unaware of an animal being washed up in the harbour before.” An excavator was sent to recover the dolphin earlier today and the carcass has been disposed off.
The GSPCA have asked if a review is required to prevent a similar incident happening again and offered to meet to discuss the situation further.
The GSPCA work around the clock helping over 3000 animals in need every year. When a sea mammal like Fortune the dolphin or Bonnie the seal are found sick or injured we are on hand to help rescue and care for them.
In fact next month the GSPCA are helping host a BDMLR Marine Mammal Medic course on Saturday 3rd September 2016.
We have a team of trained staff and volunteers that help with these strandings of live animals and this is your chance to find out what to do.
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