While many have been supporting #GSPCAPurpleWeek Lorna Chadwick GSPCA Animal Welfare Manager has been investigating a number of calls in regards animals left out in the wet weather. She is sharing this advice for animal owners and those with concerns –
‘As we all know, winter is Guernsey is often very wet and windy and this can cause problems for animals, especially if they are not used to it. We receive many calls from concerned members of the public about livestock during the winter months and we continue to carry out welfare checks on animals during lockdown. So far this winter has been exceptionally wet resulting in large areas of grazing being covered with standing water and land becoming rapidly poached as livestock walk upon it especially by gateways and feeders.
Horses should have access to a shelter be it man made or environmental and/or be suitably rugged. However, it is important to remember that some hardy breeds of horses may not need rugging and some will not keep a rug on. Some horses are bred for and used to being outdoors all year round and it would be detrimental to their welfare to keep them stabled, however, other, slighter breeds may need more shelter and warmth provided.
Donkeys don’t have coats that are as waterproof a horses because they produce less oil. For this reason donkeys should have access to a good shelter and/or be suitably rugged.
An animal that is out in a field with little shelter during the day may be brought in at night time, allowing hoofs time to dry. All animals must be able to escape mud and standing water if they want to.
While the GSPCA understands that many of the animals outside during adverse weather are being well cared for, it is important that owners/keepers pay attention to the condition of their fields. If possible the animals may be placed on a small section of land to allow other areas to recover, or the animals may only be put out for part of the day. In severe cases owners will need to find alternative grazing to allow fields to recover however this is not always possible.
For help and advice or if you have any concerns about any animals during adverse weather conditions please call 257261 or email [email protected] ‘
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “Every Winter we get inundated with concerns of animals left out in the wet and cold.”
“GSPCA Animal Welfare Manager Lorna Chadwick heads up the investigations into concerns over animal care and with the weather we have had she has been kept busy doing socially distanced checks on animals.”
“When the GSPCA was founded 148 years ago it was very much due to concerns about those not caring for animals and this is very much at the heart of our work still today.”
“Each year to mark our anniversary we hold our #GSPCAPurpleWeek and this year we see our first ever in lockdown.”
“With few fund raisers and next to no boarding due to lockdown the GSPCA income has been hit hard and we need your support now more than ever.”
“There are many ways you can help support our vital 24/7 work and donate or raise funds for the hundreds of animals in our care.”
“With over 130 hedgehogs, 3 seal pups, dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, fish, reptiles and many birds we help over 3000 animals through the doors every year.”
“With so many animals in our care we would love you to join our sponsor scheme to help us each month.”
“Just a couple of pounds each month can make a massive difference in helping the animals in our care and to find out more please go to http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf .”
“We have been working hard not only to care for the many animals and carry out our rescue work, but also reviewing our strategy.”
“Here is some information for those not familiar with what we are trying to achieve and we couldn’t do this without your support and we really hope you will join in with #GSPCAPurpleWeek.”
Donate
Donate to our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal by calling 01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or online https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal
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
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 share your purple pictures
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/
In line with States of Guernsey advice please DO NOT visit the GSPCA if have been outside of the Bailiwick of Guernsey in line with their advice or have any symptoms of Coronavirus and we continue visits to the Shelter for only essential reasons and to please call us on 01481 257261 or email [email protected] before your trip to see if we can help without you coming to the Shelter. For the latest information and advice please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/search/node/coronavirus
With huge challenges on our resources and a drop in income from boarding and donations please help us help animals in Guernsey with our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal by donating online via - https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal
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