Guernsey Press

GSPCA bids farewell at AGM to long-term member

Celebrations, updates on the new build and goodbyes were on the agenda for the GSPCA’s annual general meeting last night.

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Steve Byrne from the GSPCA, which held its AGM last night. (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 33995749)

More than 30 people were expected to attend in the first AGM since the animal charity celebrated its 150th anniversary back in 2023.

In addition to the routine reports and accounts, manager Steve Byrne updated attendees on the 3,000 animals the charity helps each year.

‘We had nine seals last year which is more than we’ve ever released back into the wild before, the turtle which is now at the SeaLife Centre in Brighton, and all the other animals we’ve helped will be highlighted,’ he said.

‘As much as the animals are what we are here for, we’re celebrating the staff, volunteers, supporters, businesses, group, schools and everyone else who makes the GSPCA what it is.’

He also touched on the island's new animal welfare legislation, the animal education the GSPCA does with schools, dog training and the training of veterinary nurses at the St Andrew’s site.

Mr Byrne also surprised some of the team and volunteers with awards.

‘The people that have helped us include Specsavers, Northern Trust, Sarah from our reception team, Seb and Ali who have become supervisors, and Kevin has been here for over a decade helping with our maintenance,’ he said.

‘We have a great many volunteers who we thought it would be nice to highlight and say thank you to.'

It was also the last AGM with long-serving committee member, former deputy and retired farmer Tom Le Pelley, after 20 years with the GSPCA.

‘He’s been an incredible support to everybody with great knowledge, we’re upset to see him go but he has carried on through much of his retirement so far,' said Mr Byrne.

  • Details of the AGM can be found on the GSPCA website.