Dog owners lend helping paw to JSPCA

Monday 25 June 2018

Local dog owners will be tackling the heights of Noirmont Point this August in a bid to raise funds for the JSPCA, after it emerged that the charity was carrying debts of nearly £1million and was fighting tooth and claw to survive.

The Jersey Dog Forum has teamed up with Jersey Adventures to organise a charity abseil on 18 August.

Express revealed earlier this month that the charity's accounts, which are not publicly available, showed that the JSPCA's debt pile more than doubled from £505,840 in 2015 to £1,059,750 in 2016, following a failed planning application, fewer legacy donations and escalating staff salaries.

After hearing of the charity's financial situation, Nicky Holgate-Smith decided to take action to help them out. She contacted John Fox, the owner of Jersey Adventures, to ask him if he would support a charity abseil. Mr Fox, who had worked with Mrs Holgate-Smith on other fundraising events, offered to take a lower fee for the day, meaning the abseil will cost £15 per person with 50% going to the JSPCA.

Mr Fox explained: "We were contacted by Nicky and she explained the plight of the JSPCA. Being a dog lover myself, I was keen to get involved. It made sense to share my passions for outdoor adventure and animals together. Jersey Adventures have helped various charities over the last 12 years by providing experiences to help raise £250,000 for charities."

Mrs Holgate-Smith then contacted the Jersey Dog Forum administrators to ask them if the 6,800-strong group, known for pulling together for the island's animals, would support her fundraising idea. One of the admins explained: "Nicky was thinking of all of the animals and the staff. had spoken to John Fox who was also keen to support the idea and that was kind of it really! A bit of team work later and it’s on! You know us Forum lot don’t tend to hang around!

"From my own perspective, none of us want to see the JSPCA struggle and we value their contribution to the animals on the island. I adopted [my pet] Oscar from the JSPCA so I am very grateful that they were there for him and it’s the community supporting them that allows them to carry on."

Many dog owners have already signed up for the event but there is still some availability. Some will also go an extra mile to make the day even more special. Following a £25 sponsor from the admins of the Dog Forum, Liam Dunne, a dog owner and walker, will be donning a Scooby-Doo suit for his abseil. Others have offered to support the bravest on the day by baking or attending to cheer on them.

Pictured: Liam Dunne will be donning a Scooby-Doo outfit for his abseil.

For those who can't attend or are too afraid of heights, the Dog Forum has also set up a crowdfunding page to collect further donations. "Things have changed at the JSPCA and some brave people have made this happen - so let’s give them a helping hand now that they need it.

"We know that Jersey Dog Forum members would be sad if the past affects the JSPCA's future. We need them to be able to continue to do what they do not only for dogs but also cats, rabbits, gerbils, reptiles and other animals. Thanks everyone for your support, as usual. It really does make a difference," Jersey Dog Forum wrote.

Nicky Holgate-Smith added: “The most important thing for me is if we don't do something, the staff suffer and so do too the animals."

This latest fundraiser marks the second show of solidarity to the animal charity in just one week from the island community.

Pictured: Dog owners banded together to help clear up the vastly overgrown JSPCA-owned Animal Cemetery last week in yet another show of solidarity for the animal charity.

Last week, a social media post revealed that the headstones, crosses and pathways at the JSPCA-owned pet cemetery site had been completely submerged by grass and weeds.

The JSPCA said that it was because their usual gardener was on holiday, and that they didn't like anyone else tending to the area.

A group of dog owners subsequently decided to get together to assist with fixing the mess. After employees from St. Helier Parks and Gardens cut down the grass with strimmers, the Probation Service community raked up, while other animal lovers helped tidy. They spent two afternoons in total on site under the sun to bring it back to its former glory.

The move was celebrated by pet owners who thanked everyone involved for clearing the paths. 

Pictured: The pet cemetery site has been cleared to make it easier for owners to visit their beloved furry friends.

One commented "Fab effort and doggie spirit!", while another added: "A big well done to everybody who participated in this, fabulous job!"

A woman living close to the site added: "Well done I can see this from my window and it looks amazing, so much tidy and loved now for all those fur babies!"

Andy Le Marrec, who co-ordinates community service, commented: "Whilst working there a member of the public came to attend one of the graves. He thanked each of our clients individually and explained how much the their work was valued."

The Probation Service community are due to return this weekend to tidy and wash the hand stones and remove the cut grass.