Join the GSPCA this Friday at the Wayside Cheer Hotel with 2Xtreme to celebrate the safe capture of Slygo the stray terrier
Submitted by GSPCA on 11:38, 23rd Apr, 2013 |
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After months of wandering the south cliffs of Guernsey Slygo the stray terrier was safely caught in the early hours of this morning.
The GSPCA has been working with the authorities and other charities to capture the nervous little dog that has been stray since February this year.
We must start by thanking all of the press and public in their support as without the combined help of everyone involved we wouldn't have been able to catch him.
After nearly two weeks of luring the little terrier to a regular area and planning Steve Byrne the GSPCA Manager sat in wait from 6pm on Sunday until 8am the next day.
Slygo has been returning to the same spot where the GSPCA trap has been in place and Steve has been working to desensitise the scared little dog to enter it before it could be set.
After a few hedgehogs, cats, blackbirds and other visitors the decision was made on Sunday to set the trap but unfortunately even though Slygo had been back each night he decided to give Steve a sleepless night and not return.
What Slygo did do was wait until after Steve had gone to return to the unset trap and have the feast that was left.
Manager Steve Byrne returned for a second go last night and with the help of the wildlife camera that was used, he was pleased to see that Slygo had been back again yesterday day, so Monday evening the trap was once again set.
The bait was placed and trap set just after 6pm last night and hour by hour went by but no sign as it got dark. The mist and fog settled and temperature dropped which made the heat sensor camera of little use that had been lent by Dave Brook Plumbing to help spot him in the dark, although it had helped in spotting plenty of wildlife and cats the night before.
This morning when the mist lifted and the dawn broke a sound of the door was heard and as the light came Steve spotted the trap door had closed.
As Steve approached at 5am this morning he was pleased to see that finally Slygo was in safe hands sitting quite happy and safe next to the mound of food in the trap.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said 'It's been a long two weeks every day baiting the trap and checking the camera but it's been great how we have built his confidence and finally caught him.'
'Every day he has been back and forth like clock work at 4-5am and at random during other times of the day.'
'Early Monday morning was the first time he hasn't visited the capture sight in the Gouffre but I think due to the number of visitors in and around there over the weekend it may have unsettled his routine.'
'Words cannot explain how happy I was to see him in the trap this morning, although I'm very tired!'
'He is now safe and warm at the GSPCA and he is a healthy weight.’
'I have deflea'd him, popped a wormer in his first breakfast, I have sat with him and even stroked him although he is very nervous and timid.'
'We will now work with him here at the GSPCA to help bring him round as having been stray for the last few months and his history of being neglected in the UK he has been through a lot.'
'This Friday we have a fund raiser at the Wayside Cheer Hotel called 2Xtreme and we are looking for as many people to attend to help celebrate both the safe capture of Slygo and also the release of our seal pups Jethou Bumblebee and Hanois.'
'The tickets are on sale at the Shelter call 257261 or visit our website www.gspca.org.gg '
'Thank you to everyone that has helped in the safe capture of Slygo we really appreciate it and if anyone would like to donate to the tireless work that we do then please contact the Shelter or you can do so on our web site.'
The hard work now begins as any dog being out fending for itself for such a long period in the wild requires rehabilitation, care and patience before it can be rehomed.
The GSPCA takes in and reunites 150 to 200 stray dogs every year but it is rare that any have to be caught in these sort of circumstances.
Only 40% of the stray dogs that the GSPCA rescues or has brought in are microchipped even though it is only £4.99p at the GSPCA, no appointment necessary.
If anyone is looking to adopt a dog or any pet from the GSPCA you can see those ready for new homes by going to http://www.gspca.org.gg/animals calling 01481 257261 or popping into the Shelter Monday to Saturday 11am to 4.30pm.
Note to press - Due to Slygo's nervous nature we are not able to take reporters, film crews of photographers to see him as we do not want to unsettle him. Please call Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager for any footage or pictures
Here is a recent short video of him at night -
If you would like to donate to the GSPCA and help us care for animals in Guernsey, you can do so by calling into the Shelter, over the phone on 01481 257261 or by clicking the Paypal button below.
To see the story of the release of seal pups Jethou Bumblebee and Hanois please
If you would like to donate towards the seal appeal you can do so by calling into the Shelter, over the phone on 01481 257261 or by clicking the Paypal button below.
To see the story of Jethou Bumblebee the grey seal pup please check out this short video from start to finish on how staff rescued him with a lot of help.
There are many items on the GSPCA's Wish List and you can see many of them by clicking here including a list of Amazon items which would make a difference to animals in Guernsey.
To download our latest newsletter or become a member of the GSPCA please
The following are events planned for 2013
Every Tuesday during term time between 10.30am and 12pm at the GSPCA we have a coffee morning with bric-a-brac and pet supplies on sale. Please click here for more details
en please contact the Shelter or you can do so on our web site.'
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