Couple share land to rewild rescued animals

Mark and Penny Martin moved to Guernsey two years ago from Gloucestershire, and approached the GSPCA to continue an arrangement that they had in their previous home.

One of the more unusual rescues has been Frank the Frog, an amphibian who almost ‘croaked’ during a feline attack.

‘This was a beloved frog that was brought into us after sustaining some injuries after a cat attack,’ said Jack Le Moigne, animal care assistant at the GSPCA.

‘The family who brought him in had been enjoying watching him in their garden throughout the summer and had named him Frank. One day, their cat got a little too curious and unfortunately Frank acquired some serious injuries in the scuffle.’

The family rushed Frank to the GSPCA who took him into Isabelle Vets, where he was treated for a wound on the left side of his body and a serious injury to his right leg.

‘Frank had lost quite a bit of skin, exposing the leg muscle underneath, but fortunately the muscle was intact,’ said Mr Le Moigne.

‘The vet explained that attempting to close the wound would cause too much tension on the remaining skin and cause more damage.

‘He was prescribed daily antibiotics and a special ointment to be applied to the wounds twice each day.’

Frank returned to the GSPCA and was given a makeshift pond, plenty of wet and dry places to hide, and a plethora of insects to eat during his 22-day recovery.

Although the family who had brought him in would have liked him to return, it was decided it was best for Frank to find a new home, safe from the potential dangers of a curious cat, and he was released into the care of the Martins.

‘He seemed happy when we released him near the douit,’ said Penny Martin. ‘However despite looking out for him, I have to admit we haven’t seen him since.’