Latest news with #SteveByrne
BBC News
11-05-2025
- BBC News
Guernsey dolphin trail delay as vandals break statue
Vandals have broken a giant dolphin statue that was set to be part of a fundraising trail around Guernsey and the dolphin is one of 62 statues which will be stationed around the island as part of a special trail to raise funds for Guernsey's largest animal welfare charity and Autism manager Steve Byrne said the "deliberate vandalism" was discovered on Saturday morning and has been reported to the Sparks, director of Autism Guernsey, said: "We were just days away now in getting all the dolphins in place, but this sadly means a slight delay." The statue was decorated by pupils from St Martin's Primary School, and head teacher Clare Giles said the incident "was very sad news".Mr Byrne said once the statue had been repaired, pupils would be able to redecorate added that the damage occurred either on Friday night or the early hours of Saturday morning."In all the years these events have taken place, this is the first time such deliberate vandalism has occurred," he with relevant information about the vandalism has been urged to contact eight dolphin sculptures will eventually be placed around the island, which people will be able to track down via an app.
BBC News
22-03-2025
- BBC News
GSPCA warns islanders over Guernsey online pet scams
An animal charity is warning islanders to be aware of scammers trying to sell puppies on social media that do not GSPCA said it was "extremely concerned" after receiving reports of dog-selling scams on warned the animals "either may not exist or could be from puppy farms".Manager Steve Byrne said people could consult either the GSPCA or a vet for tips on how to safely find pets. Reputable breeders Mr Byrne said pet scams were still catching people out following a surged during the pandemic."Around 400-500 households in Guernsey look for a new dog and about the same look for a new cat every year," he Byrne said living on the islands presented "many challenges" for sourcing pets but people still needed to ensure they were not deceived and animals were bought from reputable breeders or rescue said it was "extremely important" people verified who they were dealing with before handing over money."Often the best way to find an animal is to be referred by a friend [or] vet," he said.
BBC News
02-03-2025
- BBC News
Lizard found in Guernsey suitcase after holiday in Madeira
A lizard has been found alive in a holidaymaker's suitcase, as they unpacked after a trip to a Portuguese Guernsey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) said the Madeiran wall lizard had been through an "adventurous few days" which led to it reaching manager Steve Byrne said the lizard named Maximillion, was "doing very well" and they hoped to find it a new is the second stowaway animal to make it to Guernsey in a week, after a non-native grey squirrel made it to the island and was spotted in St Sampson on Monday. Mr Byrne said the lizard was about five inches (13cm) long and was being kept in quarantine while its health was said the islander who found it "thankfully had a vivarium all ready set up so caught the lizard... and brought it up to us here at the GSPCA".Mr Byrne added if the lizard is healthy "then we will look to find it a new home as it is so difficult to get them back to their native lands".
