Select a region
The Guernsey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - known commonly as the GSPCA - is marking its 150th anniversary this year, with the month of February the focal point of their celebrations
14 February is the official anniversary of the launch of the charitable organisation - which aims:
"To prevent cruelty to all animals; to rescue animals in distress; to provide shelter for strays; to foster and encourage kindness and consideration in the treatment of animals and birds, whether domestic or wild."
It is a registered charity in Guernsey and with the number 003 out of more than 300 members of the Association of Guernsey Charities, meaning it is one of the oldest charities and one of the oldest to be formally registered in law.
Pictured: The GSPCA seeks to help all animals and birds.
2023 will feature a number of events and fundraising initiatives to mark the 150th anniversary, with some focused in February.
GSPCA Manager, Steve Byrne said the celebrations all start today.
“Today at the GSPCA we start to celebrate 150 years having been established in 1873 with GSPCA Purple Month and the Shelter and Charity Shop have a very purple theme as well as you may see purple ribbons on vehicles.
“There are so many stories of animals we have helped and our community from major events to lion cubs, penguins to the hundreds of thousands of animals through our doors.
“Every year we help over 3000 sick, injured, stray, cruelly treated and unwanted animals every year and we couldn’t do so much without the amazing community we support. To start the celebrations of our 150th year today we are launch our first ever GSPCA Purple Month.”
Yvonne Chauvel GSPCA Senior Animal Care Assistant said: “At last GSPCA Purple Month is here so we can celebrate 150 years helping animals in Guernsey and even around the Channel Islands and occasionally further afield.”
Pictured: Steve Byrne, Manager of the GSPCA.
“You can get your own GSPCA purple hoodie or t-shirt from our Charity Shop, Animal shelter or via online and if you become a regular sponsor there is also a way of getting a top through the Angel Pen Pal Sponsor scheme.”
“There are so many stories of animals we have helped like the recent abandoned goldfish Birdseye who is now in a new home.”
Tim Pellet GSPCA Training and Community Officer said “We are so grateful to all that help and support us and February is a chance to get involved with our GSPCA Purple Month.”
“If your business would like to support us then we would love to hear from you.”
Mr Byrne said: “For over a decade we have held a GSPCA Purple Week around our anniversary which is the 14th February, but as it is such a monumental occasion we are making a month of the celebrations.
“We’ve made a top 10 list of ways to get involved and support us from becoming a regular sponsor to the many events we have upcoming.
“We’d love to hear from those wanting to run events to mufti days and of course looking forward to the pictures from the celebrations.”
WATCH: Police cordon off Havelet Bay as GSPCA collect dog
WATCH: Shakespeare to recuperate at GSPCA
GSPCA called out for a 'snakeaway'
GSPCA calls for wildlife hospital fundraising after busiest year
WATCH: Six GSPCA seal pups "improving daily"
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.