Only one election candidate has so far taken the chance to meet with the GSPCA to discuss matters around animal welfare before Guernsey goes to the polls in June.
The charity offered each of the 82 candidates the chance to meet with its manager to find out more about the work that its staff and volunteers do to help island pets and wildlife, and also to find out about how the GSPCA works with the States “extremely closely” across many areas.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said these opportunities included three events within one week. By Friday, current Deputy Sam Haskins was the only candidate who had been to one of them.
“It has been extremely disheartening this is the response to our tours for election candidates around the GSPCA to discuss our work, animal welfare challenges, and more importantly our manifesto,” said Mr Byrne.
“We realise it must be a busy time for election candidates at this time so we have set additional dates for tours on 28 May and 4 June both at 11:00.
“The tours aren’t just a chance to look and learn about much of what we do but also discuss the real challenges we face and the community faces 24/7.”
Mr Byrne said Deputy Haskins went along for one of the tours, and he was able to explain the GSPCA’s manifesto, the challenges the charity faces, its plans for the future, concerns raised by members of the public, safety issues around helping loose farms animals, disease concerns, fireworks, microchipping, and more.
“With the upcoming election there many other laws and animal welfare concerns the GSPCA has and we have produced the manifesto to highlight key items that need to be addressed to improve animal welfare, safety in our island and help the whole community, not to mention the animals,” said Mr Byrne.
Candidates can visit the GSPCA on 28 May and 4 June, said Mr Byrne and he’d like them to book places so they are expected.
More details are available at the GSPCA’s website.