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For over 151 years the GSPCA has strived to improve animal welfare in Guernsey.
On the 18th July 2024 the States of Guernsey voted through 7 animal welfare proposals including banning snares and gin traps.
It did however not vote on all proposals. The new laws will require the 3 veterinary practices, nurses and visiting vets to be registered with the States of Guernsey.
The GSPCA investigate causes of concern to cruelty and help animals in need 24/7 and these laws are very much welcomed but could we do more?
The Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure recently 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:
Just over two months ago GSPCA Welfare Manager Lorna Prince was called to Les Eturs Veterinary practice to assess a dog that had been rushed into their care. Betty, a beautiful English Bull Terrier, had arrived at the surgery suffering with brain seizures, she couldn’t stand up, hold her head up and was blind. Betty was extremely malnourished and weighed less than a third of the weight a healthy English Bull at 13 kgs.
The first phase of the long awaited Animal Welfare (Guernsey) Ordinance 2012 will come into effect on 1st July 2014, replacing a number of pieces of legislation that have provided protection in the past.
The initial phase will introduce the new principle of a ‘duty of care’ to all animals. This is based on the five freedoms which before now have been used as guidance for Welfare Charities but will now be a legal requirement of all pet owners.
The five freedoms are:
The GSPCA often receive calls from distressed animal owners for a number of reasons and this year one that has been highlighted is that of dogs attacking other animals.
It is often reported in the press regarding dogs killing chickens that aren't controlled but it doesn't stop there. At the GSPCA we often have other birds, hedgehogs, rabbits and even cats that are reported to the Shelter that have been killed by dogs that aren't under control.
Some of the current legislation regarding Control of Dogs in Guernsey is: