The GSPCA is urging people not to use livestock and farm animals to try and win views on social media – warning that you will come off worse if they turn against you.
The animal welfare charity had to speak out after a video was shared on TikTok showing Guernsey cows being disturbed.
Manager Steve Byrne said it’s cruel to cause the animals unnecessary stress – and it’s also dangerous.
“Livestock deserve to be treated with kindness and respect, just like any other animal,” he said.
“Deliberately frightening, teasing or stressing cattle for entertainment, social media content or any other reason is unacceptable.
“Not only can this cause unnecessary fear and distress to the animals, but it can also place those involved in significant danger.”
Mr Byrne said that cattle are “large, powerful animals” that can “react unpredictably when startled or frightened”.
“We would encourage everyone to admire Guernsey’s livestock from a safe distance and to act responsibly around animals at all times,” he said.
All animals in Guernsey are protected by welfare legislation that has been beefed up in recent years.
The core legal framework includes a duty of care for keepers to protect animals from hunger and thirst, discomfort, pain, injury, and disease, fear and distress, and the ability to express normal behaviour.
The law was updated last year to include bans on certain traps and the use of “artificial lighting or illuminating devices to capture, take, control or slaughter animals”.
Mr Byrne said members of the public also have a responsibility to safeguard animal welfare.
Seb Goman, Senior Animal Care Assistant and Welfare Officer at the GSPCA, added: “Animals experience stress and fear just as other living creatures do”.
“When livestock are deliberately disturbed, particularly during resting periods or at night, it can affect their wellbeing and potentially lead to injury for the animals or the people involved.
“Whether you are out walking, enjoying the countryside or creating content for social media, we would urge people to think about the impact their actions may have. Kindness and respect should always come first when interacting with animals.”
The GSPCA is encouraging anyone who witnesses suspected cruelty, neglect or deliberate mistreatment of animals to report their concerns.
Anyone with concerns regarding animal welfare can contact the GSPCA on 257261 for advice or to report incidents.
