The new wildlife hospital would be the largest development project in the 152 year history of the GSPCA – which is based in the quiet lanes of St Andrew’s and has seen new buildings pop up on an ad hoc basis over the last century and a half.
Now, with the charity routinely helping marine mammals, as well as pets and wildlife, it has definitely outgrown its facilities.
Some of those individual animals helped during 2024 have been part of the GSPCA’s highlights too, said Steve Byrne.
The GSPCA’s manager also has his eye on 2025 as the animal welfare organisation reaches a crucial point in its development plans.
2024 Highlights
“There have been a huge amount of highlights and challenges during 2024 for the GSPCA,” acknowledged Mr Byrne.
“From trying to get Barnacle Bill to warmer climes which we have achieved, getting her to the next stage at Sea Life Brighton, to starting to prepare for the BIGGEST BUILD with demolition starting in the New Year, and we are in negotiations with a preferred builder.”
As with all charities, the GSPCA would be nothing without its people, and Mr Byrne said he is always proud of his team of staff and volunteers.
There has been training sessions ongoing throughout the year so both members of the GSPA team and the community are educated in animal first aid and more.
But with experienced members of his team moving on, it’s also opened up opportunities at the GSPCA.
“We have a new Welfare team investigating cruelty after Lorna Chadwick left us after many years,” Mr Byrne said.
Pictured above and top: The Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday was a highlight on the GSPCA’s calendar.
Celebrating its 151st anniversary during 2024, the GSPCA started to notice increasing levels of wear and tear to its buildings, with work ongoing throughout 2024 to repair damage caused by Storm Ciaran in late 2023 and other spells of bad weather.
As always, the GSPCA is grateful for all donations which help pay for its services said Mr Byrne, with a couple of particular highlights from 2024.
“We have been super grateful to be part of this year’s Skipton Swimarathon as the main beneficiary, and we enjoyed another amazing Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday, not to mention helping thousands of animals and members of our community in many ways,” he said.
Challenges
2025 will see continued demand for fundraising at the GSPCA as it embarks on the next stage of its redevelopment project.
Mr Byrne said that, and the ever-increasing daily running costs the GSPCA faces means fundraising is even more of a challenge than it has previously been.
“As well as raising the £3m. to £4m. for our BIGGEST build, the running costs to help thousands of animals every year and provide 24/7 service, education work, and so much more is now at £1.4m. a year after dramatic rises in cost of living,” explained Mr Byrne, “so funding is of course the greatest challenge of any organisation.”
He said his team of staff and volunteers do an excellent job, but like other charities, he needs even more of them to ensure the GSPCA can continue operating to its fullest.
“As well as ensuring we can provide a 24/7 service, it’s a huge challenge to find team members and volunteers to assist Guernsey in the many demands we see around the clock to help animals in need,” Mr Byrne admitted.
2025 Preview
Acknowledging those challenges, while reflecting on the successes of 2024, Mr Byrne is also looking to 2025 with great excitement.
Pictured: An impression of the planned Wildlife Hospital.
Finally, after many years of planning, the GSPCA is to start work on its new wildlife hospital – previously billed as ‘the big build’.
“Next year at long last we start the BIGGEST BUILD in our 151 year history which will provide many challenges from losing many buildings for which we are currently finding alternate arrangements, to the disruption that will bring,” said Mr Byrne.
He is excited by this, though, as he knows the benefits the new wildlife hospital will bring to the island.
“The short term challenges will result in many years of incredible facilities to replace many which date as far back as the 1940s and dramatically improve the working and care conditions which all needing funding, all of which will be an exciting adventure that we hope islanders will support us to ensure we have what we need for the animals of Guernsey for decades to come,” he said.
Pictured above and top: All images supplied by the GSPCA.
