GSPCA reveals new plans for £2m. wildlife hospital
REVISED plans for a new wildlife hospital have been outlined by the GSPCA.
The Animals Shelter’s president John Knight and manager Steve Byrne launched the latest proposals at its annual general meeting.
The plans have been adjusted due to recent challenges with Covid-19 and costs – but the GSPCA said it was now moving forward with the building and excited about the future.
‘We are pleased to launch the new designs for the much-needed new wildlife hospital, which would be the only purpose-built wildlife hospital in the Channel Islands,’ said Mr Byrne, who thanked DLM Architects for its help with the designs.
‘Sadly, due to the challenges in the world and increased costs, the £2m. build we were looking at before Covid looks slightly different and we are looking at future phases and additions. But what we have designed is incredibly exciting and will replace six really old buildings and gives us more facilities than we currently have to help the year-on-year increase in wildlife numbers being cared for.’
With an ‘amazing’ £300,000 raised towards the facility so far, Mr Byrne appealed for more help from the island community.
He also thanked all the GSPCA team for their hard work, with more than 2,700 wild animals cared for last year – the highest ever number – alongside investigating many reports of cruelty to animals received each year.
Reflecting on Covid-related difficulties, Mr Bryne said that volunteer numbers had to be reduced on site, although this was cautiously being built up.
‘Boarding numbers have been incredibly low due to Covid and really affected our income, as
well as a lack of fundraising events.
‘But we have all worked really hard and are so grateful to so many for all of the financial support and other support in so many ways,’ added Mr Byrne.
‘Despite Covid and challenges across the British Isles and the world we still managed each year to put on our Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday, where we celebrate with thousands of islanders, and last year we celebrated our 10th event.’
GSPCA president John Knight thanked the charity’s committee, including Sam Le Tissier and Phil Soulsby, who had stepped down, as well as new members.
n More information about how to donate is available on the
GSPCA’s website, www.gspca.org.gg.
