JSPCA PRESS RELEASE

January 2005  

JSPCA Animals' Shelter forced to make cuts to services

The Animals’ Shelter is not owned, controlled or grant funded by the States of Jersey. It is an independent charity.

During its 137 year history the Animals’ Shelter has always been well supported due to the generous nature of the Island’s animal lovers.  Recent support has not changed with the Shelter busier than ever but the legacies on which the Shelter currently depends are less frequent.  The public often assume that the Animals’ Shelter is a rich charity when in reality it never has more than one years running costs in the bank and frequently less. The day to day costs are largely funded by donations and legacies. The services provided must be kept in line with the money donated by the public to provide those services. 

The following actions have regrettably been taken as a result of the present financial situation:  

• The Welfare Veterinary Clinic will cease on the 31^st January 2005.
• The out of hour’s emergency cover will cease on the 31^st January 2005.
• Two full time members of staff and one part time member of staff have been made redundant. One full time and one part time member of staff who have recently left will not be replaced.

All members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons must provide pain relief and emergency first aid in all circumstances as part of their professional code of conduct. If a member of the public finds an injured animal out of office hours they will need to contact a private veterinary surgeon who will care for it until the JSPCA is able to take over that care.

The JSPCA’s primary purpose when it was originally established was to prevent cruelty, promote knowledge, provide for the aged, sick, lost and unwanted animals. This is what the JSPCA will continue to focus on. The income from boarding dogs and cats helps to support the homeless animals.

Please contact Jonathan Morley-Kirk, President, or Pru Bannier, Manager, for further information if required.

ENDS