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Local dog owners and their four-legged friends have officially launched an SOS call for the struggling JSPCA after posing for a unique paw-trait at Bel Royal Slip and raising over £1,000 in the process.
The team photo was part of the charity's ongoing 'Save our Shelter' campaign which was launched earlier this year amid “extremely challenging” financial difficulties. In total, it raised £1,112.
The charity recently appointed Kevin Keen as interim CEO on a volunteer basis after it found itself “fighting” tooth and claw for survival due to being saddled with debts of around £1million, which were first revealed by Express.
Mr Keen, who has previously served in interim leadership roles for Durrell and Visit Jersey, will be at the helm of the animal charity for up to six months in a bid to steady the ship.
Video: Paw-trait posers line up in the sand to be snapped.
Staff at JSPCA, one of Jersey's oldest charities having celebrated its 150th Anniversary in May, have been appealing to islanders' "continued generosity and support." They recently launched a JustGiving fundraising page, which has so far collected £6,376 from 188 supporters.
Writing on the page, the JSPCA said: "We are a non-profit organisation and do not receive any States funding. We rely completely on donations and fundraising events. Over the years we have seen an enormous increase in domestic pets and wildlife needing our help and now we urgently need your support.
"We simply could not and would not exist without the generosity of you, our amazing supporters. Without your continued generosity and support as a community, we would be unable to care for, treat and find homes for animals in Jersey."
The "Pounds for Paws" held last Sunday was the latest step in the ongoing campaign. It invited dog owners and their furry friend to gather at Bel Royal slip for a group picture featuring the message 'Save Our Shelter'.
Annabel Brass from 'Husse Jersey' supplied doggie gift bags for the first 20 dogs on the scene, while JJ Gallagher and his Jack Russell Sammie donated a £50 voucher for the K9 Wellness Centre, which was divided between three lucky attendees.
A spokesperson for the charity said: "It was a great turnout on the day, we were very lucky with the weather! It was lovely to see so many people, the dogs were very well behaved for the event!"
In the run up to Christmas, the charity will be attending Christmas markets to raise more funds. The Old Smuggler's Inn annual Christmas Swim at Ouaisne Bay will also support the charity, as well as Jersey Hospice Care.
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