| Author |
Message |
L. Bodman
Guest
| | Posted on Saturday, September 04, 2010 - 10:31 am: |   |
WE RECENTLY experienced a problem with a family of six feral cats moving into our garden. Despite our best efforts we could not solve the problem and so asked Sue Vidamour of PAWS to help us.
I want to thank her for her very practical and sensitive approach.
The cats were caught and she then arranged for them to be neutered and then re-homed without drama and with the minimum of distress to the animals.
Sue has, and continues to do, a great deal for animals in this island and her total commitment to their wellbeing deserves support not brickbats.
L. BODMAN. |
Adrian & Elizabeth Morris et al
Guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 01, 2010 - 02:18 pm: | |
INSTEAD of having veiled pops at the GSPCA through the many letters printed in the Guernsey Press, would it not be more constructive to acknowledge the service Animal Aid has given over its time in Guernsey but to now support the sterling work that the Animal Shelter does as it is continuing its work in the future?
They were two different organisations offering differing services.
For reference, the Animal Shelter does offer individual cremations and it is worrying when the writer of the letter in Saturday 22 May's Guernsey Press, Jean Russell, infers that it does not by referring to Animal Aid's 'unique' policy - this is not new and has been Animal Shelter 'policy' since cremations started.
We urge people to get facts right before casting aspersions - all these letters continually poking Jayne Le Cras and her dedicated staff in the ribs are very unnecessary (as well as causing great upset to the staff personally) as they are just doing a job like the rest of us - and are always prepared to go well beyond the call of duty tending to animals in distress out of hours.
Please let this stop.
Many may say that Ms Vidamour closed because she endured tough times and criticism, and while that in itself is very sad - none of that has come from Jayne or her staff.
We are mystified how people who clearly supported Ms Vidamour now seem to think it is OK to attack Jayne and her staff. Why?
Everyone has the right to choose but now this choice is gone so let's put down the negative and continue with the positive - please.
Adrian and Elizabeth Morris, Alec and Lorraine Ward, Anna Wallace, Averil Vaughan, Chris and Paula Dragun, Chris Sarre, Geoff Davies, Geoff and Sandie Rowe, Jan Coomer, Jane Cremer, Jean Tanner, Juliet Weston, Lorelle Gardner, Mike and Sue Williams, Mr and Mrs Trevor Taylor, Paul Solomons, Rachael McDaid, Ray and Ann Pugh, Ray and Julia Marsh, Sarah Griffith, Tanya Corner, Tim Roberts. |
GSPCA Committee
Guest
| | Posted on Thursday, May 27, 2010 - 03:04 pm: | |
THE Guernsey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) would like to make the following statement in respect of animal cremations, in particular following a letter published in the Guernsey Press on Saturday 22 May, from a Jean Russell.
Your letter writer states: 'I was touched recently to learn something quite new, i.e. that while multiple pet cremations are common, Animal Aid operated the unique policy to cremating people's pets separately, ensuring that the pet they had loved and lost was always theirs, without any loss of identity.'
This is both inaccurate and misleading and has led to a number of calls to the society from concerned pet owners. Please allow us to set the record straight.
The Guernsey Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, who operate the 'Animal Shelter', have, since the early 1980s, offered individual cremations, and will continue to do so. The society has always maintained total respect for animals both living and deceased and acts in accordance with the code of conduct issued by The Association of Private Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria, but also adhering to the express wishes of the bereaved owner.
The only occasions any more than one animal is cremated are in the case of unidentified animals killed in road accidents or through other misfortune, or where an owner has expressed a desire to save additional costs by opting for a shared cremation.
We, the committee of the GSPCA, while respectful of the many views of sadness expressed at the closure of Animal Aid, would like to reassure the population of Guernsey that as a society with a solid reputation for the care and protection of animals extending over 137 years, we have every intention of continuing to provide that care and protection.
The society was never intended to act as a 'sanctuary' for animals, but to provide care for sick or injured animals on a short-term basis to convalesce.
The society's policy is to either return home or rehome animals that come into its care.
We hope that this statement will correct the inaccurate and misleading letter in the newspaper and offer reassurance to those pet owners who have entrusted their former pets to us for a dignified and highly respectful cremation.
John Knight, Tom Le Pelley, Adele Stevens Cox, Gary Solway, Felicity Haskins and Sam Le Tissier,
Committee of the GSPCA. |
Jean Russell
Guest
| | Posted on Saturday, May 22, 2010 - 10:39 am: | |
I WISH to join others in acknowledging the outstanding voluntary contribution of Sue Vidamour to island life.
I was recommended to Animal Aid after an experience, which caused me to seriously question my previous animal welfare allegiances. I soon recognised Sue to be not only highly knowledgeable and compassionate but refreshingly devoid of arrogance, guile or megalomaniac tendencies. Qualities which have now earned her love and respect islandwide.
While some were more frequently to be found in front of a TV camera talking the talk, Sue was the unsung hero taking real action, too busy experiencing the harsh, smelly, unglamorous realities of animal welfare to engage in prestige exercises. Of course Sue made mistakes, but on those rare occasions it was invariably due to the unrealistic physical and psychological demands she made upon herself and not complacency.
It is now accepted that Sue was on the receiving end of some lamentable behaviour - sabotage, anonymous threats, you name it. No volunteer group must ever be subjected to this again.
If only those individuals responsible had, alongside Sue, channelled their energies constructively into animal needs, just think what could have been achieved by now. We'd have had an animal welfare system, which was the envy of the British Isles.
While I was aware that schoolchildren, the elderly and disabled have long enjoyed the benefits of Sue's special visits, I was touched recently to learn something quite new, i.e. that while multiple-pet cremations are common, Animal Aid operated the unique policy of cremating people's pets separately, ensuring that the pet they'd loved and lost was always theirs, without any loss of identity.
Finally, if you have been given the impression that Animal Aid was never necessary, please just ask Sue if you can see her photo gallery. It's a 'Third-World' nightmare. Before Animal Aid, nobody was tackling these problems and now that Sue's retiring, there is the sad probability that the island will once again be hoodwinked into thinking that all is well. Clearly we do need at least two animal welfare forces here to expose these issues honestly.
Shame on the politicians for deferring our animal welfare law this long. May I leave them with this thought - an appropriate quote by Mahatma Gandhi, which could just as easily apply to our island: 'the greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.'
JEAN RUSSELL. |
A. Thomas
Guest
| | Posted on Thursday, May 20, 2010 - 02:27 pm: | |
I AM very sad to hear of the closure of Guernsey Animal Aid. It will be a massive blow to the Channel Island of Guernsey - the GSPCA will certainly have a struggle on their hands without the help of Sue Vidamour and her animal sanctuary.
The GSPCA's large sister firm the RSPCA has stated they are no longer taking in unwanted animals in the UK. I only hope that the GSPCA does not follow suit. If it does, there will be no one in the island to help our animals in the absence of Guernsey Animal Aid.
In an ideal world, Sue would find someone young with experience to take over her animal charity so it could be here for some time to come, so I and many other people could stop worrying about the island's animals and also the animals in the UK that Sue has helped over the years.
Also, Guernsey Animal Aid has taken pity on animals that are not pet material or would not benefit by being kept as a pet, such as the parrots they have, which are housed in a large aviary, which is much more beneficial to the animals than being kept in a cage in someone's house, being used and seen as an ornament.
There is nowhere else to offer sanctuary in Guernsey.
The GSPCA do rescue animals but they concentrate more on making money by boarding cats and dogs and writing nasty letters in the Guernsey Press.
All I can say is it would be nice if Sue could find someone to take over Guernsey Animal Aid.
A. THOMAS |
Sue Vidamour
Guest
| | Posted on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 02:58 pm: | |
ON BEHALF of Guernsey Animal Aid, I would like to thank all our wonderful volunteers who have generously dedicated their time to help the unfortunate animals who have come our way. It has been a pleasure to know and work with you and, although it seems my name is always mentioned, without you all, GAA could not have functioned. I do hope we will all remain friends.
My grateful thanks go to Isabelle Vets for their generous support, in particular for our rehoming policy.
To our financial supporters my heartfelt thanks. Your generosity has played an enormous part in the running of Guernsey Animal Aid.
Thank you to all those who have sent flowers, cards and letters conveying your gratitude and sadness. Your kind words mean a great deal to us all.
Lastly, my thanks go to Advocate Andrew Ayres (Trinity Chambers), Orchard PR and Suzanne Heneghan of the Guernsey Press for helping to make a very sad time more bearable.
SUE VIDAMOUR,
Guernsey Animal Aid |
Roselle Bourgaize
Guest
| | Posted on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 02:57 pm: | |
IT WAS a very sad day for me when I learnt that Animal Aid had to close.
I don't know what is going to happen to all the animals which will need shelter in the future.
I have never met anyone as dedicated to a cause as Sue Vidamour is. If anyone deserves an honour it is her, and we should not forget that.
Jayne Le Cras said that they don't take in animals the way Sue has always done, so could she tell me what the Animal Shelter is for if it's not for sheltering animals in need?
Thank you Sue and all your helpers for your good work all these years.
ROSELLE BOURGAIZE |
P. Winterflood
Guest
| | Posted on Thursday, May 13, 2010 - 02:08 pm: | |
IT WAS with great sadness I read of Animal Aid closing down.
I had the privilege of helping out there a few years ago and saw first-hand the love and attention given to all the resident animals.
Sue and her volunteers worked so hard and their dedication was second to none. Guernsey has lost a wonderful animal sanctuary, whose doors were always open 24/7 to help any animal in distress.
My life has been enriched by the two wonderful dogs I adopted from Sue. My first one has now passed away but I still have a great lurcher who brings me nothing but joy.
Thank you Sue. You can sleep easy knowing you always did your best and gave 100%. If there were more people like you in this world, it would be a much better place. God bless you.
P. WINTERFLOOD. |
Ann Dodd
Guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - 02:23 pm: | |
I WOULD just like to say what a pity it is that we have lost Animal Aid, such a worthwhile cause and so needed. Hats off to Sue Vidamour, she has given 17 years of her life to the care of animals.
An amazing woman, dedicated to the care of rescue animals. She would never turn any animal away, and never put any animal to sleep because she couldn't find a home for them.
Sue dedicated her life completely to the welfare of animals, putting their needs before her own.
How she will be missed.
Sue built the wonderful shelter over the years, and I personally wouldn't board my dogs anywhere else.
I could trust Sue to do a good job of taking care of them.
What a crying shame that after all that hard work, the shelter is no longer to continue. Is there no one who possibly has finances to invest in the future of this worthwhile and much needed cause?
Just want to add a big thank you to Sue and all her support workers who are just as dedicated and hardworking.
Without Sue and her team I would not have two beautiful rescue dogs that I love and adore and give me so much pleasure.
Lastly, a big thank you from Flo and Lillie who wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for the work of Animal Aid.
Hope you have a happy retirement, Sue. We'll miss you.
ANN DODD. |
Enid Campbell-White
Guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 - 03:01 pm: | |
ONCE again Animal Aid opened their doors on 2 May for the very last 'open day.' It was well attended and, as ever, a happy place. The elderly folk were sad that Sue is retiring. Children of all ages asked if Animal Aid 'could stay please'.
I asked Sue if I could look at the photographs she has of animals that had not received normal care. The photographs are real. I was greatly disturbed by them. I am not easily shocked.
The animals, of all ages, breed and colour cannot be seen by the public unless they look at the photographs. It is unbelievable. How can any human being justify this very serious behaviour by people who profess to be animal lovers?
It seems we are not equipped to investigate such cases unannounced, or indeed visit at all, allegedly. We do have an excellent States veterinary surgeon - also several people at Commerce and Employment that are concerned with animal welfare, but they are rarely available for comment to the public.
Jersey is most efficient. A woman vet, not in practice, heads the team. I believe this welfare law, if ever it became operational, could be a deterrent to Guernsey animal owners.
GSPCA, a great name, which as we all know means 'Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.' I hope they will be in a position to take all Animal Aid calls. A recent comment from them indicated it would not affect them - this is very good news.
People with pets that need advice would hope their call would be dealt with quickly (not a recorded tape). Yes, I do know it is difficult to find volunteers to take calls of this nature, but not impossible.
So, what are we left with? Not a lot, but somehow Guernsey must cope and care for animals in need, at all times.
I lived in the UK for 31 years, in Berkshire and London, and had many pets. I took an interest in RSPCA work. They were very professional. Their answering times were always above average, day or night.
I am concerned defenceless animals may be in the hands of questionable owners. This must be stopped.
Once again, I ask what is the reason for this long delay? Our Law Officers do have heavy daily schedules - we respect that. Would the aforementioned law be a financial burden? An honest answer would be welcomed at this stage. We have been patient for many years. No one can doubt that Guernsey needs this law, now.
Let us please do all we can to make our beautiful island proud of the way we care for our animals. Luckily, we have many very caring pet owners.
Let our children grow up knowing neglect to our dumb friends, and not caring, is nothing to be proud of.
ENID CAMPBELL-WHITE. |
A. James
Guest
| | Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2010 - 10:47 am: | |
IN RESPONSE to the news that Guernsey Animal Aid is closing, I would like to salute IFAW award-winning Sue Vidamour.
Sue raised the bar in local animal welfare. An essentially unpretentious person, she was never comfortable courting the media, the rich or the well connected, perhaps why her organisation was expected to justify its every move. By contrast, its prosperous counterpart escaped any scrutiny whatsoever, despite cash donations far in excess of what GAA ever received.
GAA usually received relatively modest sums, almost as an afterthought really (a prime example being the 'large' cash injection recently mentioned by Jayne Le Cras).
GAA certainly realised the importance of sharing authority equally among properly allocated committee members too. Sue never had an 'empire' mentality. It would have been unthinkable for just one or two persons to control the organisation. When lump sums are changing hands, image isn't enough - transparency is required.
Apart from fulfilling the same criteria as the Blue Cross and PDSA, GAA implemented the cat sterilisation programme locally and thereby controlled feral colonies.
(A scheme later derailed by the deliberate introduction of a large number of tom cats from the UK.) GAA also introduced a fully functioning pet micro-chipping system.
Visits to schools were also organised in order to educate our youngsters in the care and responsibility of animals. These sessions became a popular addition to school timetables. 'Open days' at the Deer Farm were arranged allowing islanders the opportunity to see some of GAA's work at close hand and view/rehome animals needing a fresh start in life. These events were also excellent fund-raisers, later emulated by the GSPCA.
Elsewhere such practice would have been applauded, yet locally Sue often found herself the subject of smears and bullying in these very pages. Fuelling such evil hearsay did nothing to elevate those involved - many of whom, it transpired, had been coerced into writing by others with a personal agenda. (Any intelligent islander should of course have raised concerns with GAA directly rather than spreading poison in our Press.)
As for the belief that Sue was living a life of luxury at the Deer Farm, well my family didn't call Sue 'wellie woman' for nothing. In fact most of the time she was either mucking-out, or on the road. Currently there is no one left fronting Guernsey animal welfare with Sue's natural warmth, approachability or such a big heart where animals are concerned.
Deputies must now surely honour Sue's legacy by pushing through the long overdue animal welfare legislation.
God bless you Sue. We'll miss you so much.
A. JAMES (Ms) |
B. Torode
Guest
| | Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 02:36 pm: | |
AS PART of a group of frequent visitors to Animal Aid with our handicapped friends I, and everyone I have spoken to, am deeply concerned over its closure.
It was always a pleasure to take our little group along to see the animals and birds looking relaxed and happy in perfect harmony after who knows what horrendous trauma they suffered before reaching the sanctuary of Animal Aid.
The wonderful Sue and her cheery band of volunteer staff were always pleasant and welcoming. Nothing was too much trouble for them to ensure a happy visit. The delighted reactions of our less able group had to be seen to appreciate the joy our visit gave them.
The whole island is talking of the need to keep Animal Aid open. It is a vital and unique part of our island, somewhere where our youngsters can learn responsibility and to properly care for animals and birds. And at Animal Aid, no animal in need is ever turned away, day or night.
It would be wonderful if someone could come forward with the means to buy the Deer Farm and keep this sanctuary on site and 'open as usual'.
Please search your soul. Could you see your way to have your heart touched by the treasure that is Animal Aid? You wouldn't regret it.
B. TORODE (Mrs) |
Mary Cassaday
Guest
| | Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 02:34 pm: | |
IN ORDER to achieve some balance on the Sue Vidamour and Animal Aid situation, I would say that my family have never questioned Sue's sincerity and her heartfelt compassion for any animal in distress, wild or domestic.
She must have 'died a thousand deaths' to see such indescribable suffering on such a high scale, on creatures unable to speak for themselves, apart from the anguish, so visible in their eyes.
Sue, being the person that she is, would, if it were possible, save all the animals in the world who were suffering, if it were in her power. Most of us realise it is not possible. She has given her all at the expense of her own health, without monetary reward.
This letter would take up too much space in your editorial if I even attempted to relay just a very few of the dangers we know of that she has faced in order to combat severe animal suffering and often death. In all, approximately 18 hours daily, without monetary reward, other than achieving what she had set out to do.
Sue is, to many people of similar ilk, likened to St Francis with the birds.
Sadly, she has encountered the other side of the coin in experiencing sheer nastiness, sniping, bitterness and jealously, not forgetting occasionally from people with other agendas, including dented pride or monetary gain.
As a close neighbour I know that there were some worrying conflicts to address but, as in our own experience, we also know that she attempted to solve these in order to alleviate them, not always possible of course, sadly. Animal Aid has given so much pleasure to children and parents alike and various other charitable causes.
Exhaustion, over the last 10 years has taken its toll on Sue and on her caring husband Ken. He's trying to run his own business and maintain necessary work and support for Animal Aid and Sue of course.
We admire all their helpers, children and adults alike, who have given of their spare time. Of course, Sue didn't have the luxury of any of this.
Occasionally, no wonder that her sheer exhaustion created her sharp reaction to criticism - which was not helpful to her.
In closing, your Guernsey Press article on 26 April relating to Molly Hawkins, featured on the front page, commenting on the ridiculous delays of years in the States addressing this serious issue and supported by 13,000 islanders signatures (10 years ago) in order to prevent further animal torment and suffering has not come about. Think of it. Can one believe it?
Surely if the island must reduce the ability to care for animals then equally as surely the States of Guernsey, by legislation, must increase the ability to prevent cruelty.
MARY CASSADAY. |
A. Mills
Guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 02:07 pm: | |
I WOULD like to express a huge thank you to Sue Vidamour and volunteers. She has done so much for the welfare of animals. Without her and her dedicated volunteers our animals would have been in a very desperate state. She is such a wonderful lady.
I think she should be given a special honour from the States of Guernsey. She has done so much for the protection of animals.
Sue, I will miss Animal Aid so much. God bless you and thank you.
From all the animals that you have saved.
A. MILLS. |
Nicholas & Jocelyn Day
Guest
| | Posted on Monday, May 03, 2010 - 11:41 am: | |
YOUR editorial on 28 April on the lack of modern animal welfare legislation in Guernsey is very welcome. Animal welfare on this island, particularly for domestic animals, has depended on the unremitting voluntary efforts of just a few individuals, with Animal Aid the main mover.
For many years, Animal Aid has made an extraordinarily impressive contribution to animal welfare and has been the first port of call for most people on the island if they felt an animal was in need of protection, or of emergency aid. Sue Vidamour built up the charity through her unstinting commitment to animal welfare, and on her retirement there will be a huge gap in this provision.
The lack of adequate modern legislation to back up voluntary action is a disgrace to the island and Sue herself has said clearly that one of the main reasons for her retirement is the lack of such legislation. The story is one of unacceptable delay.
As you pointed out in your editorial, in response to years of public agitation, the States set up a group to advise, which presented an Animal Welfare Consultation document in a Billet for debate in 2003. It contained many excellent recommendations for legislation and received widespread support in the States. But after seven years, nothing as yet has happened.
Enabling legislation was passed in 2008, but no specific animal welfare measures have been introduced. It is obvious that in the circles that decide which legislation gets moved ahead, animal welfare has taken a very low priority. It is not what one would expect from a civilised community.
NICHOLAS AND JOCELYN DAY |
Anon
Guest
| | Posted on Friday, April 30, 2010 - 03:52 pm: | |
LOOKING at the front page of the Guernsey Press (26 April) really saddens me.
I am an animal lover and have a lovely dog and two cats, but surely we need to get our priorities right?
We have been working under a non-human rights compliant law of 1939 for our mentally ill patients and the Albecq Ward at the Castel Hospital still has a terrible stigma to it. That will not change until the ward moves to the PEH. Hopefully there will be more than one ward because mixing those suffering with schizophrenia together with bipolar, alcoholics etc., does not work either for the patients or the staff.
We were virtually promised at a meeting last year that the new law would go through this year – now, guess what, the news is it ought to be next year – what a way to treat seriously ill humans, let alone animals.
Name and address withheld. |
John McKane
Guest
| | Posted on Friday, April 30, 2010 - 03:51 pm: | |
WHAT a shame Animal Aid is closing. Poor Sue has put so much into it. She has worked 24/7 for such a long time – it has not been a nine to five then go home and leave it behind. Sue has been there all the time. She has helped so many animals in distress.
Along the way she may have ruffled a few feathers, but all the time it was in the interest of the animals concerned. Sue doesn’t deserve some of the comments that have appeared about her.
Hold your head up Sue and congratulations on all the good, hard work you have done over the past years.
Yes, she has worked harder than a lot of men. She just saw a job and got stuck into it, no matter how hard or dirty it was.
JOHN MCKANE |
D. Grant
Guest
| | Posted on Thursday, April 29, 2010 - 03:05 pm: | |
I WAS very sorry to hear that Animal Aid is to close. My five lovely cats all came from there and I was very impressed how well cared for all the animals were – especially the elderly and sick.
Having read the comments made by Jane Le Cras, I am left with the impression that animal welfare is a matter for competition rather than cooperation. The statement, ‘the closure will not have a big impact on the charity’, suggests little will change. This cannot be true as Animal Aid’s contribution to animal welfare has been significant. How can the GSPCA cope with all the extra animals? Will they turn them away or, worse still, put them to sleep?
The welfare of the animals in this island should be paramount and hopefully Sue Vidamour will continue to champion their cause in the future.
D. GRANT,
St Martin’s. |
T. Mahy
Guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 02:16 pm: | |
MAY I, through your pages, say thank you to the man driving a small van at the Route Carre on Tuesday 6 April, for stopping and letting us know he had hit our black cat.
Marmite is now back at home recovering from a dislocated hip.
If we had not known about the accident and not found him, he would have probably died of the shock.
There are some true animal lovers about, which brings me on to say it is really sad that Animal Aid is closing. We have been fortunate to adopt two cats of theirs over the years. Our most recent is from a feral family found living in a greenhouse. With Animal Aid's time, dedication and patience we now have a loyal, loving domesticated cat.
I am sure they are going to be missed by many true animal lovers.
T. MAHY (Ms) |
Enid Campbell-White
Guest
| | Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2010 - 10:28 am: | |
THERE are many people in Guernsey who are sad that Animal Aid has closed, also in the UK.
I was proud and privileged to work with Sue and her volunteers, they worked tirelessly. Also Sue's husband, Ken, and daughter, Martha, who were a tower of strength to her at all times.
It is a sad and serious loss to this island. I know what 24/7 means and how Sue, for the past 13 years, had 18-hour days. Nights too were often disturbed.
It was always busy at Animal Aid.
The bell at the gate rang often, telephones never stopped. It was difficult to arrange a meeting in Sue's 'kitchen' office, which was also host to many people wanting her help.
Whenever possible she spoke to the callers herself. She believed people who were troubled regarding animals did not want to listen to a recording when they telephoned.
Sue never admitted to having occasional hoax calls at night. She always attended, searching the cliffs for a dog, allegedly in pain - there was no dog that needed help - and on her return to her ambulance, her windscreen had been smashed.
What sort of sick people are in our midst? Guernsey would be a better place without this pathetic and outrageous behaviour to a hard working charity like Animal Aid.
Sue, we all wish you much happiness. You will be greatly missed. You will never be replaced, please believe that. Enjoy your retirement, which you richly deserve, and keep well.
This is not goodbye Sue, just au revoir. Thank you for the constant help you have given to our island. We are forever grateful.
ENID CAMPBELL-WHITE. |
Linda Laine
Guest
| | Posted on Thursday, April 22, 2010 - 02:27 pm: | |
THROUGH your column I would like to express my immense sadness upon hearing of the imminent closure of Guernsey Animal Aid. I worry and fear for the future plight of animals, with sanctuaries and rescue centres being overwhelmed and closing. The need is obviously there, or such places would not exist.
There are many of us who love animals and try to 'do our bit' for them, but Sue Vidamour has gone way beyond this. She has given over her life, 24 hours a day, to help animals in need.
Alike with many situations in life, and with any of us, she has found that outcomes are not always perfect, yet she has always tried her best and given her all. Everything is straight from her heart, with the best motivations for the animals at the core.
I have seen Sue many times, and her helpers, heartbroken and in tears by the cruelty and neglect to animals that have come into their care. She has worked tirelessly over the years, often at the expense of her own personal health and wellbeing to help animals in need.
I have never seen another human put so much continued good effort into anything. Thousands of injured, stray, abused, neglected, unwanted, dying and deceased animals have come her way and she has always tried her best.
The majority of islanders have been great, lovely, supportive and kind. Yet as the figurehead of Animal Aid, Sue has attracted the harshest of criticisms and cruel words. If only these individuals could channel such unwarranted negativity into helping animals instead. Most of us would have been hurt and devastated and given up, but she has continued, exhausted, because she loves animals so and would never let them down. This is what she is all about.
I have known Sue for many years and her compassionate leadership has inspired me and many others to volunteer alongside her, trying in our individual ways to help these dear, wonderful animals.
We have also joined Sue in her quest to try and improve the island's outdated animal welfare laws.
We have marched, written, lobbied politicians at the States buildings to get the old laws improved, yet frustratingly even though it was in 2003 that the States approved proposals for new animal welfare legislation, it still in 2010 isn't law.
In your own newspaper on 27 September 2009, the GSPCA urged islanders to write to our parish deputies and States members appealing to them to join together and push for this legislation, yet those same politicians are still letting the animals and ourselves down. It is a sad indictment that animal cruelty and neglect exists in our island, yet as always this issue appears very low on the States list of priorities.
So, yet again, politicians, please, as a legacy to Sue, all of us who deeply care, and especially the animals, get the new law legislated and in use. Animals have no voice and rely upon us. Please give them the respect they deserve.
Finally, thank you Sue, your team, and to all the people out there in this island who love, help and care for animals. You deserve heartfelt gratitude for kindness to and caring for all animals.
LINDA LAINE |
Sue Solway
Guest
| | Posted on Monday, November 23, 2009 - 03:53 pm: | |
I'VE kept my mouth shut for a couple of years now but unfortunately for some, it's time to open it again.
What right has Animal Aid as a charity to decide on who needs to be discriminated against?
Who do they think they are?
I seem to be supporting Housing lately but I have to say fair play to the anonymous spokesman that stood up for us, except for one use of English I didn't (pun) agree with.
I would not call it stigmatising. I'd call it complete discrimination.
SUE SOLWAY. |
Anon
Guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 - 12:20 pm: | |
MY DAUGHTER and I visited Animal Aid with a view to giving a home to three kittens, one for myself and two for my daughter.
We were informed that house checks would need to be carried out before rehoming and were asked to leave our names, addresses and phone numbers.
This we did and I was contacted on Monday 5 October, a message being left on my mobile phone. This stated that it was Animal Aid's policy not to rehome kittens to people living on housing estates, particularly Les Genats, and had been their policy during the past seven years.
I have had several cats over the years and have always provided a good and loving home for them. My eldest cat unfortunately had to be put down in April this year at the age of 18. My next eldest cat is 14 and still going strong but is pining for his lifelong mate.
This is blatant discrimination against people who live on States housing estates and I am not surprised there are several kittens that need rehoming on their premises.
I feel Animal Aid should review their policies.
Name and address withheld.
GP Editor's footnote: Guernsey Animal Aid replies as follows:
'Thank you for allowing us to respond to the comments made by the author.
Each individual case is assessed on its own merits by our rehoming team. Once this has taken place, a decision is made and the prospective owner being advised of our decision. On occasions decisions are made without having to visit the people's home.
We at Guernsey Animal Aid fully support the decision made by our rehoming team in relation to this particular case.' |
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