It has been a week of celebrations and farewells at the GSPCA, as staff marked major milestones spanning more than two decades of service.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne celebrated 15 years of long service last weekend, while Supervisor Anna Paint said ‘so long’, retiring after 23 years .
From the animal ambulance and kennels to leading the cattery, she has helped care for and rehome thousands of animals while supporting colleagues, volunteers and members of the public.
Fellow Supervisor Yvonne Chauvel said she “still remembered when Anna first joined”, so it had been “wonderful to watch her grow into such a respected and knowledgeable member of staff”.
“Anna has always had an incredible way with animals, especially cats, and her dedication has inspired so many people around her,” she said.
Helen Sharman, who cares for the GSPCA’s boarding cats, said Mrs Paint’s knowledge and understanding of cats was “remarkable”.
“I am incredibly grateful for all her guidance, friendship and encouragement and look forward to continuing to work alongside her whenever she is helping at the GSPCA,” she said.
Mrs Paint will continue supporting the charity as a volunteer.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said it was “impossible to put into words” how much she had given to the organisation.
“Her compassion, dedication, knowledge and hard work have helped thousands of animals and supported so many colleagues, volunteers and members of the public,” he said.
“We are incredibly grateful for everything she has done and delighted that she will continue to be part of the GSPCA family through volunteering and helping out when she can.”
Long service
While one long-serving member of staff was saying goodbye, the charity was also celebrating 15 years of service from Mr Byrne.
Since becoming manager in August 2011, he has overseen a period of growth which has seen the GSPCA expand its services, invest in facilities and continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming thousands of animals.
During that time the charity has responded to thousands of emergencies, cared for 53 seal pups before releasing them back into the wild, launched Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday and developed initiatives including the Work 2 Benefit Scheme in partnership with Social Security.
The organisation now also runs pet first aid courses, welfare campaigns and fundraising events, supported by around 800 volunteers.
“The last 15 years have gone by incredibly quickly,” said Mr Byrne.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated team of staff, trustees and volunteers who share a passion for helping animals.”
GSPCA President John Knight said Mr Byrne’s “passion, dedication and commitment to animal welfare” had been extraordinary.
“The improvements to facilities, the growth in services, the partnerships built across the island and the thousands of animals helped are a testament to his hard work and determination,” he said.
Hurray for Le Huray!
Also celebrating was Ali Le Huray, who has been promoted to Assistant Deputy Manager.
Ms Le Huray joined the GSPCA in 2018 and was promoted to Supervisor in 2023. She officially started her new role last week.
Alongside her animal welfare work, she has undertaken management and employment law training and recently took responsibility for organising staff rotas covering more than 50 employees and hundreds of volunteers.
“I honestly couldn’t believe it when I was offered the role and I am absolutely delighted to become Assistant Deputy Manager,” she said.
“The GSPCA has been such a huge part of my life since joining in 2018 and I feel incredibly lucky to work alongside such a dedicated and passionate team.”
Mr Byrne described the promotion as “well deserved”.
“Since joining the GSPCA in 2018, Ali has consistently gone above and beyond in every role she has undertaken,” he said.
“Her dedication to animal welfare, commitment to supporting our team and willingness to continually develop her skills have made her an invaluable member of the organisation.”
