As the New Year begins, the GSPCA is looking back on one of the most transformative years in its history – marked by demolition, rebuilding and round-the-clock animal rescue – and what lies ahead…
Here’s what GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne had to say…
Highlights
Mr Byrne said the highlights of the GSPCA’s year spanned both key fundraising projects, as well as its day-to-day rescue work with animals of all kinds.
A key fundraiser was the Dolphin Discovery Trail – something Express was proud to support as official media partner – which ended up generating £83,000 in total for the animal charity and Autism Guernsey.
However, there were many more…
“At the GSPCA, there has been an incredible number of highlights – from seal releases to the Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday, the Dolphin Discovery Trail to the GSPCA Biggest Build starting.
“In fact, every day is a highlight as we help so many islanders and animals 24 hours a day 7 days a week.”
Challenges
As Mr Byrne explained, finding sufficient funding to keep the charity’s vital work going is always a challenge, and one that will no doubt continue into 2026.
“The GSPCA, like so many charities, has so many challenges with increasing costs and the need for new facilities.
“Raising the £3,000-plus-a-day to run the Shelter and the Biggest Build at a target of £3,700,000 is without doubt the largest of all our challenges – not to mention ensuring we man the Shelter and animal ambulance 24/7, 365 days a year.”
The 2026 Wishlist
With so many challenges, but so many opportunities facing the animal charity, it’s no surprise that the GSPCA Manager has a list of wishes for next year, everything from “from bowls to bricks”, according to their website wishlist.
“We have a web page full of our wishes and dreams at the GSPCA with the main one being the Biggest Build, which is nearly halfway through,” Mr Byrne said.
“…With the need to look at green energy and other ways to save funds, there are so many ways to support this much-needed project.”