GSPCA seeks small animal unit support

The charity asked for islanders’ help towards the new development, which it said was desperately needed to care for rabbits, small animals, birds and reptiles.

‘Last year we helped more than 500 rabbits and more than 500 other small animals, birds and reptiles,’ said GSPCA manager Steve Byrne.

‘We have seen a huge rise in unwanted and stray small animals in recent years and we desperately need a small animal unit.’

The charity shop, which was previously located at the GSPCA site at Rue des Truchots in St Andrew’s, has moved to Smith Street in Town, freeing space to create the first stage of a £2m. wildlife hospital redevelopment.

Building the small animal unit in the location of the former shop will allow the current buildings, dating back to 1949, to be demolished in place of the wildlife hospital.

‘This will have purpose-built facilities for rabbits, small animals, birds and reptiles in different rooms with an isolation and intake area,’ said Mr Byrne.

‘This will be the first time we will have a proper small animal unit, as they have often had to be housed in various areas around the animal shelter.’

The small animal department alone will cost £60,000.

It consists of five rooms, one for new arrivals, a main room for rabbits and guinea pigs, a room for birds, a room for reptiles and a general room to cater for animals such as hamsters and chinchillas.

Easter-themed children’s art events and guided tours of the animal shelter were held over the Easter weekend to contribute to the fundraiser for the new facility.

. Donations can be made online through giving.gg: https://bit.ly/3o2ahAs.

Cost breakdown

. Cost of the complete unit – £60,000

. The intake and isolation area – £11,000

. The main rabbit and guinea pig room – £22,000

. The reptile room – £8,000

. The bird room – £8,000

. The room for all other species – £11,000

. Each intake or isolation cage – £650

. Each rabbit or guinea pig pen – £1,500