The new interim boss of the JSPCA has called for animal welfare groups in the island to come together in 2025.

Tom Noel is planning a 'Strategy Open Day' in January, inviting those who are passionate about pets and wildlife to create a joint plan to best support them.

Mr Noel, a former Chief Product Officer with JT and a Board Trustee with Dementia Jersey, introduced himself to JSPCA supporters on the charity's social media pages.

"In 2025, I am keen to re-establish our mission as a charity, which is to prevent cruelty, promote knowledge and provide for the aged, lost and unwanted animals of Jersey.

"I have a brilliant team here at the JSPCA of passionate and committed staff but it strikes me that we need to work harder to be an inclusive charity, forming open and respectful relationships with education and animal welfare charities across the island."

He's told Channel 103 why he wants to invite people into the animals shelter next month to share the JSPCA's priorities and hear those of others who are working to improve the lives of animals.

"I really want to understand how others want the JSCPA to help, and be a bit more open, and try and form good, close, respectful relationships.

"I want the charity to be open for business, for people to feel they can come to us

Telling us more about the plans for 2025, he said:  

"We have two relatively large developments that we are doing here at the site.  We have actually been very lucky to receive funding for a wildlife centre.  We have paused it to make sure we have the right level of stakeholder engagement with other charities - so we have got some plans there, and also trying to reinvigorate the wildlife walk at the back of the site here."

"I am keen to engage with different charities that might have different specialisms. 

"We are currently working with the marine mammal wildlife organisation (BDMLR) which cars for sick and injured seals.  They used to go to Guernsey, but the GSPCA can no longer take them because they are doing development of their own, so the JSPCA has stepped in to offer them some facilities to help them.

"It is important work, and we can't do it all ourselves, but being open to partner and work with other organisations is the way to be, I believe."