Please help care for the wildlife of Guernsey | A message from the GSPCA and RSPB Guernsey
Submitted by GSPCA on 11:38, 13th Jun, 2013 |
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The GSPCA and RSPB in Guernsey want you and your dog to enjoy your walk but we are appealing to owners to take care when you are out walking.
Spring and early Summer is the main season when your dog needs to be properly controlled to protect young farm animals and ground-nesting birds.
Ground nesting birds during the bird breeding season, which is usually April to July is a time when we are asking you to keep your dog under close control or on a short lead in areas where they may be nesting.
It is very important that you are mindful of this as a dog upsetting ground nesting birds can scare them away and even result in them abandoning the nest. (Steve – I’m not sure that’s true, it could be but I don’t know), other birds do usually return to their nest if disturbed.
Where wading birds feed such as at Richmond beach please take care that you or your dog do not cause them to take flight as this caused them to waste precious energy reserves.
To give birds and fledglings the best chance of breeding responsible owners can use a safety collar with a bell to help alert them of the cat approaching. You can also limit the times when your cat goes out, giving birds time, particularly early mornings and late afternoons to feed. Cats are habitual so once they get used to their new routine they will usually adapt quite naturally.
The most recent figures from the Mammal Society, which estimates that the UK's cats catch up to 275 million prey items a year, of which 55 million are birds.
This is the number of prey items that were known to have been caught but we don't know how many more the cats have caught and didn't bring home or how many escaped but subsequently died.
RSPB Guernsey Group Leader Donna Francis said ‘The RSPB Guernsey would like to remind people of the importance of not disturbing nesting and feeding birds.’
‘Many birds travel thousands of miles to feed and breed here, we are asking that you do not unwittingly disturbed them and that you give them the space they need to refuel, rest and breed successfully, thank you.’
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said ‘This time of year we are often inundated with baby birds that have been found abandoned or attacked and at the GSPCA we want everyone to help with ensuring our local wildlife is protected.’
‘We have already had dozens of injured and abandoned young birds in the last month and we are asking all pet owners to be mindful and where possible to help care for the wildlife in Guernsey.’
‘We have a wonderful abundance of bird life in Guernsey and we want to give them the best possible chance.’
For advice on what to do if you find a fledgling please click here.
Some other tips for dog walkers are:
Please don't take your dog into fields where there are lambs, calves or other young animals.
Please never let your dog worry or attack farm animals.
There are more than 800 cows around Guernsey both tethered and loose in fields. Cattle can act aggressively. Keep yourself and your dog at a safe distance and if necessary let your dog go so that you can both seek safety.
Planted fields: Don't take your dog into fruit and vegetable fields unless there is a clear path, and keep your dog to the path.
Public places: Keep your dog under close control and avoid causing concern to others, especially those who fear dogs.
Dog waste: Please pick up and dispose of carefully.
For further advice please contact the GSPCA on 01481 257261
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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.
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To download posters to help advertise some of the animals looking for homes 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
Sunday 14th July - Labradog Day - a fun day for labrador owners at the Hotel Bon Port -
please click here for details
Wednesday 17th July 6.30pm - Volunteer Induction Evening - more details to follow
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