GSPCA’s Purple Week celebrates shelter’s 149th year
THE GSPCA has been celebrating its 149th birthday.
The local animal charity has been caring for and helping animals since it was founded in 1873 and now handles thousands of animals each year.
The GSPCA Purple Week anniversary celebrations included cake sales, promotions in the Health Connections Smith Street charity shop and talks to school groups and the Women’s Institute.
‘The GSPCA has changed in many ways in 149 years but we still stand for the same mission and values as when we were founded – preventing cruelty, promoting kindness, helping strays, and educating and working with our community to care for and help animals,’ said the shelter’s manager, Steve Byrne.
In the GSPCA’s early days, time was spent persuading owners and drivers of horse-drawn vehicles to be considerate towards their animals, many of which would be transporting heavy loads of granite.
‘When we were founded much of our work was looking into the care and neglect of working animals and nearly a century and a half later, the majority of our work is helping thousands of wild animals, but we still see cruelty and neglect – but not as often, thankfully,’ Mr Byrne said.
He said the community response to Purple Week had been positive and anyone still wishing to support the charity should visit its website for ideas and information.
‘We love the support we see in GSPCA Purple Week and we have had many donations and have been supported in many ways. We are hugely grateful to all who do so much for the GSPCA and the animals of Guernsey.’
The organisation’s 150th anniversary will be celebrated with a Puffin Parade of statues, which will be run alongside Autism Guernsey.
‘We have many plans for our 150th,’ Mr Byrne added.
‘We are hoping to make it a bumper year, with a lot more plans to be announced, and anyone wanting to get involved please do get in touch.’
n For more information, visit www.gspca.org.gg.
