GSPCA and JSPCA plan to work closer together

Monday 09 July 2018

Following a meeting between the new management of the JSPCA and Steve Byrne; Manager of the GSPCA, steps are being taken for them to work closer together so they can share knowledge and skills in the future.

Last Tuesday, Barbara Keywood from the JSPCA visited Guernsey, and met Mr Byrne at the GSPCA. Both said they hope this visit is just the first step in forming a really strong relationship between the two societies.

Mr Byrne said: "Last week Barbara Keywood from JSPCA popped in to the GSPCA and it's very exciting, we've been working with the JSPCA through their association with dog and cats for a number of years but we are looking to work much more closely together now and we are all very excited about the new relationships that we are forming."

The two organisations have been working together more closely over the past couple of years and have also started working with the Jersey British Divers Marine Life Rescue helping them with their seals like Sami who was returned back to Jersey last year. The recent staff changes at JSPCA have also given this relationship a renewed focus.

Mr Byrne continued: "They have had a change of management at the JSPCA and the team members there are keen to come over and for us to exchange ideas and work a lot better and a lot closer together."

The GSPCA have been working with many charities and organisations over the years and technology has meant ideas and expertise can be shared worldwide now. Mr Byrne said: "Its always a good idea to cross pollinate and cross exchange ideas we are always keen to work and talk with other organisations whether it be in the Channel Islands, in the UK or further afield and we do talk as far as New Zealand we send information across and Bermuda and all around the world and its great in this modern world that we are able to do that. Equally it is great that with those on our doorstep a new relationship is blossoming."

“Both the GSPCA and JSPCA are members of the Association of Cats and Dogs Home which is an organisation that believes that we are ‘stronger together for cats and dogs’ which is true for other species and we are always looking to work with others.”

The plan going forward is to work as one on areas where the islands have unique similarities:  "We've already touched on staff exchanges to get experience, both islands have very unique legislation and unique challenges, but we also have a lot of things that are very similar, which enables us to talk together on certain issues, so perhaps on hot sunny days do a joint press release on the dangers for pets or at Christmas to put that warning out about pets as presents. It would be great to work across the islands with all the charities so there is a really strong message going out to the public about animal welfare across the Channel Islands."

Ms Keywood said she was grateful for the visit and hospitality by GSPCA and Mr Byrne. She said: “Thank you so much for the tour on Tuesday, it was amazing looking around and chatting to you.”

Pictured main image: Steve Byrne, Manager, GSPCA