As high winds threaten to thrash the island, the GSPCA is urging islanders to take steps to look after animals which may be affected without putting themselves at risk.
While hedgehogs and wild birds may struggle to feed normally during the bad weather spell, and young seals risk becoming separated from their mothers, pets will also need to be kept safe.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said the shelter is already preparing for any “challenges” that may arise, but was also asking for islanders to play a part in helping to keep animals safe – without putting themselves in danger.
“It is extremely important with the high winds and stormy tides not to put yourself at risk but to call us for advice whether around the coast or inland,” he noted.
If you are a pet owner…
Keep your pets inside
“Owners of pets and animals that are kept outdoors need to ensure their animals are safe and have adequate shelter and provisions and where possible please do bring them inside if you are able to do so,” Mr Byrne explained.
Only do walks for when the wind drops
“You might need to think about keeping your cats indoors and taking care to ensure you walk your dog when the wind drops.”
Can you bring your field animals inside?
“Animals living out in fields may also need to be brought indoors and wherever possible ensure they have safe shelter.”
What to do about injured wildlife…
“We can all do our bit for wildlife and our own pets to keep them safe when the winds are high as it can pose a real danger,” Mr Byrne said.
If possible, contain the animal before calling
“If it’s safe to catch and contain the animal this should be done very carefully. Make sure you use gloves and keep the animal away from your face. A secure cardboard box with ventilation holes and lined with a towel or newspaper is ideal. Keep the contained animal as quiet as possible and either take it to a vet, to the Animal Shelter, or call us on 01481 257261.”
However, islanders should remember that handling any animal can involve risks of bites or scratches, so gloves should be worn if possible or the animal should be held with a towel or soft piece of clothing. Wild animals should be held at a distance and well away from the face.
If an animal has been found by the side of the road…
“Don’t do anything that will put you or anyone else at risk. If you can, watch the animal from a distance. Try to see whether it’s still alive. If the animal moves away, watch where it goes. Don’t try and stop it – it will be very stressed and might cause you or itself further injury. If safe to do so, pick the animal up and contain it as described above. If the animal is alive but you can’t contain it, call the GSPCA to report your location.”
If you see an animal on the beach…
“If you find an oiled bird and it is safe to pick it up, make sure you’re wearing gloves – not only can the bird injure you but the oil could be hazardous to your health. See our capture and boxing advice above. If the animal is a seal or whale, don’t get too close and follow the advice below for seals. It is rare for us but if you see a whale please call us immediately.”
If the animal is caught in a trap…
“As upsetting as this situation is, never try and free the animal yourself. You might hurt yourself or the animal even more, and may actually commit an offence if the snare has been legally set. Stay well back to avoid stressing the animal further and call us to report the animal’s location. If you happen to have a camera with you, it would also be useful to take some photographs of the scene.”
If you spot something caught in a fishing line…
“Don’t try and free the animal yourself – you could end up hurting it even more. Call us and report the animal’s location. If there are people responsible for the site, let them know so they can clear up the litter.”
More wildlife advice can be found here.
