The Animals’ Shelter was founded on 25 May 1868 and incorporated as the Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1936. It is marking its 150th birthday with two main fundraising events: a family fun day at the Royal Jersey Showground on 28 April and a gala concert to be held at the Arts Centre on 26 May featuring local musicians.
President Charlie Gruchy said: ‘The 150th anniversary of the founding of the Animals Shelter in 1868 is both very exciting and a big number to be proud of – as this event is one no mortal will ever achieve.
‘The specific focus of the society has evolved in response to the challenges of the time but always within the bounds of its current mission statement – “To promote knowledge, and provide for sick, injured, old and unwanted animals” – and that is what it will continue to do.’
The shelter’s PR and media manager, Babs Keywood, said that the charity wanted to use the anniversary to highlight the JSPCA’s work and to engage with young Islanders. She said: ‘We would like to involve the local community as much as possible to join in with our celebrations to mark this fantastic milestone.
‘We are hoping that local primary and secondary school students, as well as home-schooled children, will participate in our “design an animal mask” and mural competitions and show us their wonderful artistic talents.’
The competitions are open to all schools and students, and headteachers are being asked to select their school’s winners to submit to the charity for judging.
*Further details are available from the JSPCA Facebook pages.
