The Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure has yesterday published proposals to provide better protections for wild and domesticated animals by strengthening Guernsey’s animal welfare legislation.
The proposed changes will modernise Guernsey’s legislation and fulfil the extant States’ Resolutions that were not covered immediately by the Animal Welfare (Guernsey) Ordinance in 2012.
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Committee, said:
‘These proposals will increase protections for Guernsey’s domesticated animals and resident wildlife, as well as migratory species passing through. They align with international legislative advancements in recognition of animal sentience. It is essential that our legislation corresponds with welfare standards in place in the UK and other trading partners in today’s post-Brexit context and that we demonstrate commitment to international conventions.’
The Committee’s proposals to strengthen local legislation and address inhumane activities include:
• Greater enforcement powers for animal welfare investigations.
• Incorporating provisions of the UK Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act 2024 into domestic legislation. Prompted by reports that British livestock transported across the EU were suffering thirst, exhaustion and rough handling, it would prevent the export of livestock for ‘slaughter or fattening for slaughter’ beyond the British Isles.
• Prohibiting the farming of animals for fur, feathers/down or hides/skin as a primary product rather than a slaughter by-product. Wool farming would still be permitted.
• Prohibiting production of foie gras by force-feeding.
• Ensuring that stunning and slaughtering instruments used in culling birds and small mammals adhere to accepted humane standards.
• Preventing the use of wild animals in circuses.
• Prohibiting snares and leg-hold/gin trapsi.
• Disallowing use of glue traps, except by approved pest controllers.
• Disallowing use of artificial lights or illuminating devices in capturing animals (known as ‘lamping’), except under licence for environmental or scientific purposes.
• Updating local veterinary regulations to align with current Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ protocols.
Guernsey is a party to the Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals and its agreements, which restrict the use of ‘indiscriminate’ devices and methods to capture or kill animals. These have the capacity to entrap not only their intended targets, but other species caught inadvertently. This includes snares, leg-hold/gin traps, glue traps and the use of artificial lights or illuminating devices. England, Wales and Scotland have instituted legislation prohibiting or restricting the use of various indiscriminate traps, and the proposed changes would bring Guernsey into alignment on this issue.
States Veterinary Officer David Chamberlain said:
‘Snares, leg-hold/gin traps and glue traps are cruel by design and can cause enormous animal suffering. We have found evidence that snares are still being set in Guernsey, including when a cat returned home with what appeared to be a homemade snare around his neck last month. The proposed changes will bring local legislation to a comparable level with other jurisdictions and will provide the States Veterinary Officers with powers to take enforcement action where it is appropriate.’
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “The GSPCA are delighted to hear the improvements proposed for the animal welfare legislation here in Guernsey.”
“At the GSPCA we work closely with the States Vets and Guernsey authorities.”
“In recent years we have seen prosecutions and investigations from cruelty to reptiles to illegally transported puppies.”
“When investigating welfare concerns we face a wide range of challenges and any improvements to our legislation are hugely welcomed.”
“At the GSPCA we help animals 24/7 365 days a year and thankfully many of the welfare concerns we look into can be resolved with education and advice there are those serious circumstances where we need to escalate and work with our authorities and legislation.”
"With hundreds of concerns reported every year our Welfare Offficer Lorna and the team are kept very busy and sadly we do occasionaly see some horrendous sights that require robust legislation to help rescue those animals that are suffering."
“Some of the real daily challenges we have are animals not microchipped or not have any identification to the loose farm animals which pose a real danger to themselves, our team and the public.”
“Even though it is now compulsory to microchip cats later this month in the UK as well as dogs sadly we do not have this legislation in Guernsey which makes it difficult with nearly 20% of strays that we help every year.”
“In regards stray farm animals like cows as well as horses there is currently no easy way to get hold of owners quickly which is a real concern for us at the GSPCA as the dangers they pose to themselves and our community.”
"We contunie to work with the authorities to highlight the issues we and animals in Guernsey face and we hope to see continued improvements to our laws and the ways we are able to help animals in need."
"151 years ago the GSPCA was set up to help prevent cruelty to animals and help educate owners and we have seen huge strides and improvements in those years."
"A considerable amount of time in the early days was spent in persuading owners and drivers of horse drawn vehicles to show some consideration for their animals."
"Boxcart drivers in the stone trade would haul very heavy loads of granite along unmade roads from the quarries to the cracking yards and to quite considerable distances where new roads and lanes were being surfaced, in most cases drivers were considerate to animals in their charge, but with some Companies animals were worked to their limit."
"Butchers roundsmen with a horse and van would leave the shop at 6 to 7am and go on a country delivery round often running as late as 10pm and then having to stable and feed the horse."
"Horses and cattle and farms were observed and where required were investigated if cruelty or neglect were involved."
"Although we don't see aniamls worked like the were in the 1800's we do still investigate concerns from domestic to farm animals and even wild animals whose nests or roosts that are being distrubed to using cruel capture devices."
"One of the worst cases we have seen in recent years was a bearded dragon and snakes that had been left for weeks without care."
"Many will also remember the Slovakian puppy case where there were 7 welfare prosecutions as well as 25 fraud cases."
"We never know what we will be asked to help next at the GSPCA and with over 400 animals in our care currently and our new BIG BUILD plans we continue to ensure we are here for the animals of Guernsey and our community."
“If anyone ever has an animal welfare concern they can contact us at the GSPCA by calling 01481 257261.”
“We are always looking for those want to help with our work and if you are interested in becoming a volunteer or join the team in anyway please check out this link https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/could-you-become-dog-walker-gspca-or-animal-ambulance-volunteer-withoutus-withoutyou .”
“To care for the 1000’s of wild animals and many others in our care we really need your support, please donate by going to https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA) , call 01481 257261 or by post please make cheques payable to 'GSPCA’ and send to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD.”
To see more on our Animal welfare work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/animal-welfare
To see more on Guernsey Animal Law please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/guernsey-animal-law
To see some of the cruelty stories in recent years please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/tag/cruelty
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
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Reception & Shop area
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Collecting/Dropping Off Boarding Dogs & Cats
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Viewing animals for adoption
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Emergencies Call 257261 or the Shelter is manned 24/7
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GSPCA Charity Shop in Smith Street
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Monday’s
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9am – 5pm
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11am – 4pm
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11am – 4pm
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24/7
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8am - 530pm
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Tuesday’s
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9am – 5pm
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11am – 4pm
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11am – 4pm
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24/7
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8am - 530pm
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Wednesday’s
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9am – 5pm
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11am – 4pm
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11am – 4pm
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24/7
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8am - 530pm
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Thursday’s
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9am – 5pm
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11am – 4pm
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11am – 4pm
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24/7
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8am - 530pm
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Friday’s
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9am – 5pm
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11am – 4pm
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11am – 4pm
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24/7
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8am - 530pm
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Saturday’s
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9am – 5pm
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11am – 4pm
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11am – 4pm
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24/7
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8am - 530pm
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Sunday’s
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11am – 4pm
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11am – 4pm
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11am – 4pm
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24/7
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Closed
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Bank Holiday’s
(**Varied times**)
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**Possibly 11am – 4pm**
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**Possibly 11am – 4pm**
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**Possibly 11am – 4pm**
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24/7
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Closed unless advertised
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Upcoming Events we are at and need your help -
GSPCA May/June Half Term Guided Tour Saturday 1st June 2024 130pm - 3pm To book please go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-may-june-guided-tours-tickets-627151335527?aff=oddtdtcreator
GSPCA May/June Half Term Guided Tour Sunday 2nd June 2024 130pm - 3pm To book please go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gspca-may-june-guided-tours-tickets-627151335527?aff=oddtdtcreator
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 - Guernsey Classic Vehicle Show at Saumarez Park
Sunday 16th June 2024 - EDABL Seafront Sunday - https://www.edablgsy.org/
Sunday 14th July 2024 – Motor Seafront Sunday - https://www.facebook.com/guernseymotorfestival
Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July 2024 – Torteval Scarecrow Festival
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
2025 – Dolphin Parade
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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