Select a region
Updates being approved to animal welfare laws coincided with internal training for GSPCA staff on the “extensive” volume of investigations into cruelty it deals with week in, week out.
The States last month agreed to update the island’s decade-old animal welfare laws by outlawing certain snares and traps, slaughtering practices, hide and force-fed foie gras farming, and introducing new regulations on vets.
That same week the GSPCA delivered renewed training to its team on animal welfare and cruelty investigations, which the charity says are sadly all too frequent in the island.
There’s an “ever-growing list” of incidents for its 50 staff and over 800 volunteers to respond to every day of the year from sick and injured animals to dogs left in hot cars.
The sessions were led by Animal Welfare Manager Lorna Chadwick, building on the charity’s weekly Wednesday training time, where she detailed their work into reaction, prevention, challenges and procedures.
“The GSPCA have to work within the laws of Guernsey to help animals in need, although many concerns we receive - sometimes up to 1,000 a year - many are routine checks and simple advice we do see each year serious concerns. Unless we approach these in the correct manner then this can affect outcomes for both the animals and those involved,” GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said.
“We have an incredible team at the GSPCA but we are always striving to develop their skills and with cruelty investigation and education at the heart of what we do it is essential our team are well trained and know the extreme challenges we can face.”
Mr Byrne said staff received an “excellent training session” delving into the updates and casework which “opened many eyes to those not on the front line with some of the sight that we see from rabbits kept in awful conditions to the sad sights of those not seeking treatments for their pets.
“It also highlighted challenges like calls we get from those trying to cause trouble for those they may not have a good relationship with which sadly is a regular occurrence.”
Pictured: Environment & Infrastructure are now drafting the new animal welfare laws which could come into force within the next year.
Ms Chadwick noted that it deals with calls and report every day from neighbour disputes to serious allegations of cruelty which demands involvement from public authorities.
“The GSPCA team are dedicated to helping animal welfare in Guernsey and the training session we held this week helped ensure we upskill the new team members and refresh the skills of those that help carry this work out every day,” she said.
Team members called the training valuable and insightful.
Receptionist Sharna Leaman said: "I recently joined the GSPCA team and really enjoyed the talk on the work of the GSPCA Welfare department. I'mr eally keen to help Lorna and the GSPCA with how we help animals and help those that need our support, and it was extremely interesting to see many of the types of reports and calls we have to look into".
Yvonne Chauvel Senior Animal Care Assistant said: "Even after more than 25 years working at the GSPCA we still see shocking sights of animal cruelty and it is so important all of our team know how to deal and help with these sensitive and often upsetting cases.
"It was a real eye opener for many of the team and something that is so important and from all of the team a big thanks to Lorna for such an interesting and well put together training session."
Anyone with concerns about cruelty can report it to the GSPCA on 01491 257261 or by emailing admin@gspca.org.gg.
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.