Plenty of room at the kennels

Tuesday 28 April 2020

As the GSPCA faces a funding crisis due to the corona virus lockdown, it is also experiencing another situation which it hasn't seen since the end of the Second World War.

For the first time in 75 years the charity has had empty kennels as there are no dogs needing rehoming or boarding facilities at the moment.

While on one paw the situation is a positive reflection of people maintaining sensible pet ownership during the lockdown, it has also brought "huge challenges" for the team of staff and volunteers who are said to have taken "a proactive approach to face the wide range of issues".

There are 42 kennels at the Animal Shelter in St Andrew and last week the final dog in its care for rehoming was handed over to its new owners, inline with social distancing guidelines. 

Steve Byrne, the GSPCA Manager, says to his knowledge that left the animal shelter with no resident dogs for the first time since the Occupation, when the charity was evicted from the grounds which has been its headquarters since 1929.

As no owners are currently going on holiday it means no dogs are booked in for boarding which can account for up to 30 of the kennels being busy at any one time usually. That also brings in around half of the charity's  running costs of £2000 a day. 

Mr Byrne says that will have a knock on impact of a huge loss of income for the charity. 

He says there has also been a drop off in interest from people wanting to rehome their pets, and anyone who is enquiring about doing so is being helped remotely because of social distancing so that help is available if it is needed.

Mr Byrne assured the public that the GSPCA is available to help immediately in an emergency situation though.

Pictured: Steve Byrne of the GSPCA, with John Lewis (file image). 

"We are as always prepared for emergency boarders as we do help dogs that are from owners fleeing domestic violence or from a home where the owner has been rushed into hospital, sadly even passed away, or other cruelty cases and we are still taking bookings for boarding but most are booking when they think the lock down will end," he said.

"Before the lockdown we were proactively trying to home animals as quickly and responsibly as we could which thankfully has now meant no dogs in need of homes and only a handful of older cats."

A number of other cats are still resident at the animal shelter including strays, cats who have previously been neglected and some emergency boarders.

Mr Byrne said the animal shelter's staff and volunteers are as busy as always during the lockdown despite fewer guests in some areas.

"Although no dogs are in our kennels at this moment in time we have helped had two stray dogs in today, we are giving dog training advice over the phone and online, we are having dog adoption forms completed and sent in to us for those looking to adopt a dogs, we are talking to those thinking of rehoming their dogs and we are taking bookings for boarding as well as being prepared for those emergencies, investigating cruelty reports and a real worry with the warm weather we’ve had checking possible dogs left in hot cars.

"Although our kennels are quiet, with Spring upon us other departments are inundated and with the vast majority of our volunteers not able to come in the kennel staff have been redeployed to assist with the many baby birds, hedgehogs and other animals in our care."

Pictured: The GSPCA offers a number of services for dog owners, including first aid courses, which are currently on hold. The charity can give advice though. 

Mr Byrne said it feels surreal as no one could have seen it coming at the Shelter where dogs are such a big part of the family.

“Speaking to staff that have been here over 20 years there has never been a time when we haven’t had dogs in our care even when we built our last kennel block.

“The last time there were no dogs at the GSPCA is probably when we were evicted from our site during WW2.

“Although we may have no dogs in our care at this moment in time we are prepared for if and when our kennels will be needed as we help dogs in so many ways. We never know when a call could come in about a dog being neglected or one in need of our care as their owner is fleeing domestic violence and they require emergency boarding. We often have animals in for those requiring emergency hospital treatment and we are still taking in pets for boarding if and when the need arises.”

Seb Goman, GSPCA Animal Care Assistant who heads up kennels said it was strange to see the kennels empty.

“I’ve worked in the GSPCA kennels for over 5 years and have never seen them all empty. We are all missing the boarding dogs as so many of them are regulars and its so strange not seeing dogs being walked around the GSPCA.

“Apart from strays we have only really had one dog in which was Macy a lab and she went to her new family yesterday and we all really miss her, but we have already had an update that she is doing well.

“I still help with the stray dogs arriving and any others that may come in, but currently my role is much more with the wildlife and you really wouldn’t believe how many baby birds, baby bunnies and hedgehogs we have helped in recent weeks.”

Pictured: Macy the Labrador has been rehomed. While that is great news for Macy and her new family, it is bad news for this reporter who wants Macy to come and live with her. 

Lorna Chadwick GSPCA Welfare Manager who also heads up dog training and rehoming said she had never known a time where there were no dogs at the shelter.

“Although this is a first, possibly for over 70 years that we do not have any dogs in our kennels that could all change at any time.

“I’m sure many will remember the 25 Slovakian puppy case so we never know what could happen although this particular case is unlikely currently with the strict travel restrictions.

“We are still helping with dog training and puppy advice and still want those interesting in adopting or fostering to complete forms so we have them on file if anything does come in so we can match them to new homes quickly.

“We are all looking forward when things get back to normal and we can run training classes at the Shelter and fill our kennels with boarding dogs as people can travel, but at this time if anyone has any queries or needs help please call us on 01481 257261 or email our front desk on admin@gspca.org.gg.”

As well as a Coronavirus Crisis Appeal to support the running costs of the GSPCA, the charity is running a 'virtual petshow'.

Mrs Chadwick said they'd like to see lots of entries.

“For those with pets or enjoy taking photos of animals we launched our Virtual Petshow and we’d especially like to see lots of pictures of dogs and to see the event page for details please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/230454898178108 .”