JSPCA PRESS RELEASE

February 2004  

TWO NEW JSPCA AFFILIATE MEMBERS

The JSPCA Animals’ Shelter is pleased to announce that “Action for Wildlife - Jersey” and the “British Divers Marine Life Rescue – Jersey Group” have become new members of the JSPCA Affiliation Scheme. 

 “Action for wildlife – Jersey” is a local group that was set up in December 2000 as a pro-active group intent on promoting awareness and ‘hands on’ involvement beneficial to the Island’s wildlife. The group’s achievements have been successfully carried out in three clearly defined ways; indoor meetings with local guest speakers’ – regular outdoor guided walks – specific conservation tasks.  While indoor meetings are held during the winter months, ‘in the field’ walkabouts are programmed throughout the year and take the form of bird walks, seashore discovery rambles, moth and bat evenings and butterfly ‘safaris’.  All are undertaken with the guidance of local specialists. In 2002, a further section of ‘AFW’ emerged, with the creation of the Jersey Conservation Volunteers.  These practical wildlife-friendly tasks are held on the first weekend of every month – October through to April.

The “BDMLR - Jersey Group” is a new branch of the charitable organisation “British  Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR)” which has been set up to help in the rescue of stranded, injured or distressed marine mammal wildlife. On 6^th December 2003, the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter hosted a BDMLR Marine Mammals Medics Course and, as a result, the BDMLR - Jersey Group was established, which consists of trained volunteers that are prepared to be on call 24 hours a day in the event of a marine mammal stranding on the coast of Jersey.

The JSPCA Affiliation Scheme was developed and introduced in 2001, whereby local charities and organisations “join forces” and work together with the JSPCA to ensure that scarce resources are best utilised.  The aim of this Scheme is to present a united front against animal cruelty and promote all aspects of animal welfare.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

• Further information about “Action for Wildlife – Jersey Group” can be found on the JSPCA Website ‘links’ page.  Details about “Action For Wildlife” and the Jersey Conservation Volunteers can be obtained from Kim Koester on 01534 855342.
• The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) is a registered charity (www.bdmlr.org.uk). BDMLR was formed in 1988 in response to the mass mortality of Harbour seals in the Wash area of East Anglia. From these early beginnings, when a few like minded divers got together to help marine wildlife, a committed 24 hr rescue service has grown. BDMLR now train over 300 Marine Mammal Medics a year and have 20 whale rescue pontoons located at strategic points throughout the UK waiting to help stranded whales and dolphins. Marine Animal Rescue Ambulances are sited throughout the UK ready to be sent to an incident. Teams of volunteers regularly train to refresh rescue techniques and meet socially to keep in touch with each other and raise funds.
• The JSPCA Animals' Shelter is always available to assist in the rescue and rehabilitation of all Jersey's injured wildlife.  Members of the JSPCA have rescued two stranded Grey seals off the Jersey coastline over the last two winters which emphasizes the need for specialist training in the filed of marine mammal rescue, in order to offer more help to stranded seals and dolphins on he coast of Jersey and improve our care for marine wildlife, ultimately assisting in the conservation of marine mammalian species.  Further information about the BDMLR – Jersey Group can be found on the JSPCA Website ‘links’ page.
• Current JSPCA Affiliates include:  

• Jersey Hedgehog Preservation Group
• Cat Action Trust 1977 (Jersey Branch)
• The Tortoise Sanctuary, St Helier, Jersey
• The Jersey Red Squirrel Project
• Alderney Animal Welfare Society
• Greyhound Rescue, St Brelade, Jersey
• Action for Wildlife
• British Divers Marine Life Rescue - Jersey Group