Could you 'Trick or Pet Treat' this Halloween & collect for animals at the GSPCA & safety tips 11835
Guernsey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA)

Every year many children with parents or guardians head out at Halloween on the 31st October dressed up to celebrate the American tradition of 'Trick or Treat'. With the growing concern of the consumption of sweets and sugar why not this Halloween raise funds for charity. With the dark evenings it is important to ensure you follow some simple safety hints and tips, but this year could your Halloween night out help benefit the hundreds of animals in need in Guernsey. At the GSPCA we currently have over 500 animals in our care and over 3000 are rescued, cared for and rehomed by the GSPCA every year. When out 'Trick or Treating' why not instead this year say 'Trick or Pet Treat' and maybe add 'to help animals at the GSPCA'. Whether donations of change, animal feed or even actual 'Pet Treats' every penny helps make a difference. If you have a bucket to take out why not click here to download a label to stick to it to help advertise your collection http://gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Trick%20or%20Pet%20treat.pdf. Not everyone celebrates the Halloween tradition and it is important to please keep this in mind and respect the wishes of those who decline, but for those that join in and support your collection please do celebrate and thank them for their generosity. If you haven't got children or would rather not have them go out could your work place, group or school hold a 'Trick or Pet Treat' mufti day or event to help raise funds for animals at the Shelter? Halloween Safety Tips for Trick or Treating Children should always go out trick or treating accompanied by a responsible adult. If you have a group of kids going, the parents should choose two or three of them to go along and keep an eye on things. It is always best to keep to early evening to avoid upsetting homes where the residents may plan an early night due reasons such as their health or young children. Plan a safe route so parents know where their older kids will be at all times. Set a time for their return home. Make sure that your child is old enough and responsible enough to go out by themselves (any doubts please ensure an adult is present and accompanies them). Make sure that they have a mobile phone. Let your children know not to cut through back lanes and fields if they are out alone. Make sure they know to stay in populated areas and not to go off the beaten track. Let them know to stay in well lighted areas with lots of people around. Explain to them why it can be dangerous for kids not to do this. If they are going out alone, they are old enough to know what can happen to them in a bad situation and how to stop it from happening. Instruct your children not to eat any treats until they bring them home to be examined by you. This way you can check for any problem candy and get the pick of the best stuff! Instruct your child to never go into the home of a stranger or get into their car. Explain why this is not a good idea and what to do if someone approaches them and tries to talk to them. Make sure your child carries a torch, glow stick or has reflective tape on their costume to make them more visible to cars. Let them know that they should stay together as a group if going out to Trick or Treat without an adult. Explain that not everyone celebrates Halloween and if they decline to donate or give then that is the persons choice and should be respected politely. Some home owners will have animals and pets themselves and to take care when approaching or leaving a property. It is extremely important that where gates are present they are closed after use. At the GSPCA we want all animals and people to have a fun and safe Halloween and for those looking to support us this Saturday thank you so much as we and the animals really appreciate it. Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said "This Halloween could you do something a little different to help animals in Guernsey?" "Instead of 'Trick or Treating' could you say 'Trick or Pet Treat' to help raise funds for animals in Guernsey." "Many of us as parents are concerned with the amount of sugar our children eat and many children love animals and helping them so why not combine the two this Halloween." "We want to ensure those going out are safe whether helping collect for the GSPCA or for themselves so we have popped a few safety tips online to keep in mind before heading out." "Thank you to all that choose to help us and the animals in our care this Halloween." If you would like a copy of the 'Trick or Pet Treat' poster please call 01481 257261, pop into the Shelter or email stevejbyrne@gspca.org.gg Thank you for your support. For details on Spooky Tours and Halloween Treasure Hunt Tours at the GSPCA October Half Term http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/spooky-tours-and-halloween-treasure-hunt-tours-gspca-october-half-term http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/could-you-trick-or-pet-treat-halloween-collect-animals-gspca-safety-tips-1