GSPCA asks for patience as Storm Austin causes communications disruption and site damage
- Storm Austin brought down a tree at the GSPCA, severing phone lines and internet connections
- Two aviaries and materials for the kennel build project were damaged in the storm
- All animals and staff at the shelter remain safe and well despite the disruption
- Emergency calls can still be made via 257261 or the emergency option on the main line
- Supporters have offered assistance whilst Sure and Clarity Communications work to restore services
The GSPCA is experiencing significant communications disruption and site damage after high winds from Storm Austin brought down a tree at the animal shelter earlier today.
The fallen tree cfell into the charity's rear car park, cutting phone lines and internet connections. As a result, the GSPCA is currently facing major challenges with its telephone systems, email services and internet access.
While main communication systems remain affected, the charity has confirmed that emergency calls can still be made by selecting the emergency option when calling the GSPCA. People can also leave messages for the team to respond to as soon as possible. For urgent animal welfare emergencies, the public can call 257261 directly.
Beyond the communications damage, Storm Austin has also damaged two of the shelter's aviaries and materials and stock associated with the ongoing kennel build project. Staff are currently working to secure, assess and tidy the site whilst monitoring weather conditions as strong winds continue.
All animals at the shelter remain safe and well. The GSPCA team made it to work and continues to provide care for the animals currently in their care.
The charity has received an overwhelming response from supporters, with numerous offers of assistance to help remove the fallen tree. The GSPCA has contacted Sure regarding the damaged phone lines, whilst Clarity Communications is en route with a 4G router to help restore internet and communication services as quickly as possible.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said: "We would like to thank everyone for their patience, understanding and support following the damage caused by Storm Austin. A large tree came down into our back car park and unfortunately took out our phone lines and internet connections, creating a number of challenges for our team."
He added: "The most important thing is that all of the animals in our care are safe and well, and thankfully all of our staff and volunteers who have attended the shelter are also safe. We have some damage to an aviary and some materials connected with our kennel build project, but our team has been working hard throughout the day to secure and tidy the site."
Mr Byrne also expressed gratitude for community support, stating: "We have been overwhelmed by the offers of assistance from supporters wanting to help remove the tree and get us back up and running. We are also grateful to Sure and Clarity Communications for their swift response in helping restore our communications."
The manager urged patience from the public, saying: "Please bear with us while we work through these issues. If you have an emergency, please call 257261 or use the emergency option when contacting us. For all other enquiries, please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Thank you for your continued support of the GSPCA, particularly during challenging times such as these."
The GSPCA has confirmed it will continue to provide updates as services are restored.
Q&A
Q: How can I contact the GSPCA during the communications disruption?
A: For emergencies, call 257261 directly or select the emergency option when calling the GSPCA. For non-urgent enquiries, leave a message and the team will respond as soon as possible.
Q: Are the animals at the GSPCA safe following Storm Austin?
A: Yes, all animals at the shelter remain safe and well despite the storm damage. Staff successfully made it to work and continue to provide care for all animals in their care.
Q: What damage did Storm Austin cause at the GSPCA?
A: A tree fell into the rear car park, bringing down phone lines and internet connections. Two aviaries were damaged, along with materials and stock associated with the ongoing kennel build project.
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