Animal-mad Steve has run GSPCA for a decade
A LIFETIME’S passion for animal welfare has led to a decade of dedication to Guernsey’s wildlife by Steve Byrne.
In his early years, the GSPCA manager admired his grandfather’s dedication to animals and worked four paper rounds, at the age of 11, to support financially his own collection of birds, which included budgies and canaries.
Throughout his teens he volunteered working with animals, so by the time he was 18 he could begin employment at the RSPCA’s then brand new animal centre in Swansea.
Within three years he was running the 72-acre site.
Mr Byrne spent another 15 years working for the RSPCA at various locations across England and Wales, until he was offered a job as GSPCA manager.
He said the move to the Channel Islands was a life-changing opportunity.
‘I actually thought someone was pulling my leg when I first got the call to work for the GSPCA. For me, Guernsey is the most amazing place to live in the world,’ he said.
‘It was bit of a dream, and I now find myself here in Guernsey where I have gotten married. We had a little boy five years ago and have a lovely family of five of us, as well as our two dogs, Moly and Zeke, and our tortoise, not to mention a massive network of amazing friends and family.’
His job involves living on the GSPCA site. It is a 24/7, 365 days a year commitment that he devotes himself to gladly, regardless of his wife’s hesitation about him giving up the majority of his time off to help run a number of the charity’s events and talks.
He said his devotion was powered by the impact he sees the charity make.
‘The GSPCA is a truly incredible organisation making a difference in so many ways both for animals and our local community,’ he said.
During his time, the charity has helped thousands of sick and injured animals, boarded pets, helped families suffering with bereavement and investigated calls of concern or welfare. It has also received a string of awards as well as the GSPCA shelter benefiting from physical upgrades.
‘That’s the big stuff. But every day seeing how we help each animal drives the passion and commitment for doing more – and the gratitude from the community is truly overwhelming and so appreciated as without them we couldn’t do so much,’ he said.
Mr Byrne said he wished only for two things – the pandemic to be over to be reunited with some family members again and for the shelter easily to be able to meet its daily running expenses.
It costs around £2,000 a day to care for the animals, plus further funding to accomplish bigger projects.
‘Every day is a priority to raise the funds needed, care for the animals, help those in need and support our community,’ he said.
Mr Byrne added it is the people, the volunteers and the local contributors who make the GSPCA possible – and such a wonderful place to work.
. Donate to the GSPCA via giving.gg https://bit.ly/2zWBM5P.
. To find out about volunteering opportunities at the GSPCA visit at www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers.
The tale of the 'drowned cat' that wasn't
HIS long career involved with animals means Steve Byrne has seen many things, some happy, but some tragic.
But one of his most memorable moments had its funny side.
He was at the GSPCA headquarters when a man came into reception visibly upset because he thought he had found a drowned cat in a puddle.
He had carefully wrapped the ‘cat’ in a blanket, popped it in a container and taken it to the GSPCA.
‘When I opened the box and removed the blanket I wasn’t faced with a dead cat, or even an animal. What in fact he had picked up was a wet, muddy toy dog hand puppet,’ said Mr Byrne.
‘You can imagine how the poor chap felt when I had to break the news and the lady behind him with a baby bird in her hand also had a little laugh, especially when I brought it out to show them both.
‘But that story just shows how incredibly caring the people of Guernsey are, even for our cuddly toys.’
