GSPCA pays tribute to ‘a real force of nature’

The GSPCA has paid tribute to ‘a real force of nature’, its former animal shelter manager Jayne Le Cras, who has died.

Jayne Le Cras says farewell to Myrtle the rare Green turtle, the first to be found alive on British shores with Pascual Calabuig Miranda, veterinary surgeon at the Wild Fauna Recuperation Centre in Gran Canaria in 2003 after its 1,626 mile rescue mission from Guernsey. (32867404)

Mrs Le Cras, who was in her late 60s, retired from the role of director of operations in December 2010, after working with the charity for 16 years.

Before joining the GSPCA she ran her own business and had also been chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce.

She already had experience working with animals having spent time at Guernsey Zoo after leaving school.

Speaking to the Guernsey Press when she retired, Mrs Le Cras said that the highlight of her time with the GSPCA was in 2008 when two lion cubs spent a few months at the shelter after being dumped on the doorstep of a Romanian vet who worked with the Born Free Foundation.

They were sent to Guernsey to be vaccinated before travelling to a new home in South Africa.

Steve Byrne took over from Mrs Le Cras as GSPCA manager and yesterday he said he and the rest of the team were saddened to hear the news.

‘Jayne was a real force of nature – passionate and dedicated to her friends, family and animal welfare,’ he said.

He described her as having a big heart and her commitment to the staff and animals went beyond her role as well as beyond her retirement.

‘She was a great friend to many, generous with her time, supportive and highly respected.

‘She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. It’s a sad day for the GSPCA but we must remember her strength and her unwavering passion for animals.

‘Our sincere condolences to her friends and family. Thank you for everything Jayne.’