Labrador Welfare Registered Charity No 1012192
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 01 MAY 2024 TO 30 APRIL 2025
Reference and Administration Details ~~LT~~
Charity name Labrador Welfare Registered Charity Number 1012192 Charity’s address 7 Meadow Road Scunthorpe DN17 1RS Phone Number 07795 178375
Names of Trustees who manage the charity
Ray Carnall Chairman Officer of charity and Trustee (Retired Nov 2024) Debra Ellis Treasurer Officer of charity and Trustee Ruth Leckie Secretary Officer of charity and Trustee Susan Roberts Trustee (Retired Nov 2024) Nicola Aldgate Trustee Susan Blaeford Trustee (Elected Nov 2024)
Name and address of advisors
Vets 4 Pets Barnsley 161 Wilthorpe Road Barnsley S75 1JQ
Objectives and Activities
Summary of the Main Objectives of the Charity
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To provide for the immediate needs of the dogs handed into our care.
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To support those members of the public who wish to adopt a dog or, for whatever reason, need to relinquish ownership of their dog.
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To provide and maintain new homes for displaced dogs and to offer guidance and lifelong support to their carers.
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To work with our sister charities and other general rescues to ensure that no Labrador is left in need.
We continue to accept dogs for rehoming from all locations within the area we cover and to support those members of the public who find that they have to relinquish their dog.
Trustees of the charity ensure that our work is carried out within the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
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Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objectives.
When undertaking the rehoming of Labrador Retrievers, we follow the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and this is embraced in our policies and procedures.
We continue to accept dogs within our area from all backgrounds.
Where financial hardships are being experienced we continue to waiver the relinquishing donation.
Where the owner has no means of transport, every effort is made to help with the transportation of the dog to the kennels we use.
Our Lifetime Foster Dog Scheme for older dogs of 9 years and over enables those on low/limited income to enjoy the benefits of dog ownership as no adoption donation is requested for these dogs and Labrador Welfare helps to pay for major vet bills.
The ethos of Labrador Welfare is to offer support and guidance to the adopters of our dogs for the whole of the dog’s life whether this is by phone, email, other means made possible by technology or in person by our registered volunteers.
Labrador Welfare has a non-discriminatory policy. No prospective owner will be refused the right to adopt a dog on the grounds of age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, age of children, nationality or religion. The person’s ability to provide the dog with a safe, secure and loving home is the only consideration.
Additional details of objectives and activities
The 100 Club continues to help support the Lifetime Foster Dog Scheme for dogs over the age of 9 with funds raised through this means being directed towards the payment of veterinary fees for these dogs.
Our Sponsor Dog Scheme enables supporters to make regular payments to help towards veterinary fees for dogs under the age of 9 that may come into our care with a known chronic medical condition that cannot be covered by insurance.
The regularity of the funds raised through the 100 Club and Sponsor Dog Scheme helps to maintain the financial support the charity is able to offer, where it is required, to those people caring for these dogs.
Without the invaluable voluntary help of our supporters, all of which is unpaid, we would be unable to continue with our work and we are indebted to those who give their time unstintingly and freely to help.
Achievements and Performance
The 12-month period covered by this report has, as was expected, been another busy one for the charity witha sustained increase on the previous year in the number of requests from owners needing help to safely rehome their Labradors.
As a small, breed-specific charity, run wholly by volunteers and with limitations on kennel capacity and resource, it has been impossible to accommodate every single one of the 249 requests for help due to the sheer volume received and, where this has been the case, we have acted in the best welfare interests of dog and owner in directing them to other reputable breed-specific organisations in the hope that the dog can receive the help and care it needs at the time they and their owner need it most.
5 years on from Covid, its spectre still looms large with many of the requests for help received this year being the result in a change of owner circumstance with a return to the office or employment base after being able to work from home. No longer able to spend the time they needed to spend
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meeting their dog’s physical and emotional needs has combined, in some cases, with owners also working longer hours to meet the continuing every day challenge of trying to make ends meet. A change in employment necessitating relocation has also been a contributing factor in the number of requests for help this year with owners having to move into rented accommodation but unable to find somewhere affordable that is also prepared to accommodate pets.
These proved to be the two main reasons for relinquishing and, it has been no mean feat to successfully rehome the dogs that came into the care of the charity throughout the period covered by this report not least because over 50% of those admitted were not neutered and/or up to date with vaccinations which were all necessarily funded by the charity prior to rehoming at a not insignificant cost. This is because the charity ensures that all dogs are vaccinated prior to rehoming and, as part of our responsible approach to ongoing welfare and wellbeing, neutered prior to adoption unless there are reasons why this may not be appropriate. In essence, the number of non-neutered/nonvaccinated dogs arriving in care can, in the main, be seen as an indicator of the continuing impact of rising daily living costs which, so far shows no sign of abating with responsible rehoming organisations now bearing increased costs.
Despite these obvious challenges and associated financial costs, we have worked very hard to maintain our core values:
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We care about Labrador Retrievers
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We value and respect our many volunteers and supporters
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We are committed to providing a high-quality service at all times
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We are committed to being open and honest with members of the public that adopt dogs from us
Aside from those owners seeking help with rehoming their dogs, we continue to work with and maintain links to other Labrador Rescue groups, Dog Wardens and general rescues when they need help with any Labrador Retrievers. Such collaborative working has seen an increase in the number of stray or abandoned dogs being signed over to us for rehoming from stray kennels during the 12month period up to 30 April 2025.
We continue to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of the private licenced kennels we use whose help and advice have been invaluable to us over the course of the year. We are grateful to them for their continuing support and the diligent hands-on day-to-day care of our Labradors not least because of the additional pressures they too face with an unprecedented increase in stray or abandoned dogs of all types/breeds that their own remit obliges them to care for alongside our dogs.
Despite the challenges we, like every other rehoming organisation are facing in what has become a crisis in the world of animal rehoming and welfare with rescue spaces in foster and kennel-based organisations like gold dust, we continue to meet our objective of providing lifelong support to our rehomed dogs and their owners through a dedicated team of Home Visitors and our core Rehoming Team. Their willingness to literally go the extra mile is invaluable not only in ensuring our dogs are safely and responsibly rehomed but also in assuring their new owners of our ongoing support and guidance throughout their dog’s life. Our volunteers are our life-blood and the hours they put in to help our dogs may well be unpaid but, in helping to change a Labrador’s life for the better, they are absolutely priceless to us and the charity are forever in their debt.
Our membership remains relatively stable although we have sadly lost one or two of our very longstanding members this year but it is heartening to be able to report that we have welcomed new members too and have produced two newsletters during the period covered by this report so that our members are informed about our activities and updated on those dogs the charity has rehomed. We actively encourage members and supporters to contribute to our newsletter which helps to ensure that it remains inclusive and interactive in providing an opportunity for our supporters to engage and share their own experience and/or views on a subject of particular relevance or topical interest to those with the breed’s best interests at heart.
With the help of our voluntary web master, our website continues to evolve and remains a central point of information for members of the public with a genuine interest and enthusiasm for our work, relinquishing owners and those considering offering a home to a dog. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers we also have an active presence on social media platforms which continue to generate
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interest and are well supported with a loyal and growing follower base which has all but doubled over the course of the last few years.
The impact of the cost of living rise continues to be felt in terms of fundraising and, this may also account for the challenge we, like many other voluntary organisations, face in recruiting new helpers whose extra hands are vital in helping us with fundraising, particularly at face-to-face events. The team have, however, attended several events organised by local groups which not only served to raise funds for the charity but were also excellent opportunities to raise awareness of our work. Supporters throughout the area we cover have also turned their hand to innovative ways to raise funds and awareness which have included the creation of some beautiful charity cards and arranging in-person social events at various times throughout the year.
At the time of this report there were 26 dogs rehomed through and registered with the charity as Sponsor Dogs with a further 19 dogs over the age of 9 registered as Lifetime Fosters. It is arguably the case that the reason there are, for the first time in a long time, more Sponsor than Lifetime Foster dogs under the charity’s wing, is as a result of the rising cost of living that everyone caring for a dog continues to face.
Our Sponsor Dog Scheme and 100 Club continue to help support our Lifetime Foster dogs and those rehomed with a pre-existing condition but, while we are fortunate in having found good, loving homes for these dogs, we have seen an increase in the cost of claims for reimbursement of veterinary fees which reflects the upward trend in the cost of veterinary care that has been evident across the board for some time. Where possible, owners and carers are asked to purchase medications through reputable on-line veterinary pharmacies which, as it stands, is far cheaper than directly purchasing through the practice the dog is registered with and is of great help in the charity being able to ensure the most cost-effective use of precious charity funds.
We continue to work to the standards laid out by The Kennel Club in their own Code of Practice for Breed Rescues and whose support is of great benefit. Our ongoing commitment to adhering to the Kennel Club's Code of Practice for Breed Rescues provides peace of mind for relinquishing owners that their dogs will be in good hands while we work to find their new homes as well as inspiring confidence in the general public as to the standards we aim to achieve and always strive to maintain.
The Trustees have met several times during the period covered by this report to review performance in meeting our objectives and to ensure internal governance continues to be upheld. The 2024 AGM saw the retirement of 2 of our longest-standing Trustees whose knowledge and experience of the breed have been a cornerstone of the charity for decades. Their tireless work over the years has seen the charity continue to battle through during some exceptionally challenging times and each of our retirees fully deserve a well-earned retirement and go with our eternal thanks for their steadfast dedication and hard work. Last year’s AGM also saw the election of a new Trustee to the Board whose experience and background in accountancy and association with the charity over a number of years will be an asset to our ongoing work.
The period covered by this report has proved to be extremely challenging on the back of the sustained increase in demand for our services which we acknowledge is likely to continue to be the case for the foreseeable as events on the world stage will inevitably see a changing world for everyone. Despite this, the charity is firm in its resolve that its commitment to ensuring the future wellbeing of Labradors coming into or already in its care will remain a constant and unchanged.
Financial Review
Brief statement on the Charity’s policy on reserves
The charity is working towards developing a written policy for the holding of the reserve funds which are held in a reserve account to ensure that, should we raise no funds in one year, we would still be able to function. This account also holds money that has specifically been designated for certain projects and developments. The remainder is to support the payment of vet bills for our Lifetime Foster dogs and dogs the charity has rehomed through the Sponsor Dog Scheme.
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Further financial review details
Unless otherwise advised by a vet for reasons such as age or underlying, pre-existing conditions, all dogs leave us leave us neutered, treated for fleas and worms and with vaccinations as up to date as possible. The relatively recent cessation of manufacture of the L2 vaccine and the crossover to L4 has, in some cases, led to an increased length of stay in kennels which, of course, has associated costs. Microchipping is undertaken on those dogs that are found not to have been chipped prior to admission into our care and arrangements are made to effect transfer of the microchip into the owner’s name on adoption.
We also request a relinquishing donation to cover some of the initial kennelling and general care costs whilst we assess the dog to ensure that it finds the right home. This donation is waivered in cases of financial hardship.
We continue to explore new avenues by which donations can be generated on line or in person with supporters now able to support our work in more eco-friendly ways. We have added Don’t Send Me A Card which generates a donation to the charity through the purchase of e-cards and Recycling For Good Causes which generates donations through the recycling of supporters’ unwanted goods to our repertoire of “greener” ways in which supporters may prefer to help. We are also encouraged to see individuals raising funds at local level through a variety of in-person means as well as on-line through our JustGiving link where their self-set challenges have successfully raised funds to support our work. The charity actively promotes several on-line shopping routes through which supporters are able to generate donations at no cost to themselves and it is encouraging to see that support through these routes continues to slowly grow.
Structure, Governance and Management
Description of Charity’s Trusts
Type of governing document
- Constitution adopted 6 June 1992. Amendments made 1994, 2000, 2004, 2007, 2009 and 2024.
How the Charity is constituted
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Membership, renewable annually.
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Trustees and Officers to be re-elected after 2 years.
Trustee Selection Methods
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By invitation of the Trustees of the Charity.
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Trustees may be re-elected every 2 years.
Additional Governance Issues
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Trustees must not have been convicted under the 1911 Protection of Animals Act, The Dangerous Dog Act or Animal Welfare Act 2006.
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The charity is supported by Northumberland and Durham Labrador Retriever Club and is also listed as a breed rescue by the Kennel Club.
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All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration or benefits.
Declaration
The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ Report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s Trustees
Signature Full Name Position Date 12/07/25
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Profit and Loss
Labrador Welfare
For the year ended 30 April 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Turnover | ||
| 100 Club Income | 6,345.00 | 5,595.00 |
| Adoption Donations | 14,875.00 | 15,455.00 |
| Calendar Sales | 1,025.50 | - |
| Commission Petplan | 2,614.27 | 1,995.37 |
| Donations - Gift Aid | 8,244.75 | 71,543.61 |
| Donations - Non Gift Aid | 15,331.57 | - |
| Fundraising | 3,344.75 | 12,892.41 |
| Interest Income | 1,918.59 | - |
| Membership Subscriptions Gift Aid | 700.00 | 720.00 |
| Membership Subscriptions Non Gift Aid | 289.00 | - |
| Relinguishing Donations | 4,381.00 | - |
| Sponsor Dog Scheme Gift Aid | 1,200.00 | 1,516.00 |
| Sponsor Dog Scheme Non Gift Aid | 339.00 | - |
| Total Turnover | 60,608.43 | 109,717.39 |
| Cost of Sales | ||
| Dog Food | 107.16 | - |
| Kennelling Fees | 47,188.22 | 47,448.00 |
| Lifetime Foster Dogs Vets Fees | 12,340.58 | - |
| Sponsor Dog Vets Fees | 8,336.94 | - |
| Vet Fees | 8,367.06 | 60,325.55 |
| Total Cost of Sales | 76,339.96 | 107,773.55 |
| Gross Profit | (15,731.53) | 1,943.84 |
| Administrative Costs | ||
| 100 Club Winnings | 667.50 | 455.00 |
| Advertising & Marketing | 73.06 | 391.97 |
| Bank Fees | 5.98 | - |
| General Expenses | 40.00 | - |
| Insurance | 548.70 | 533.03 |
| Motor Vehicle Expenses | 275.57 | - |
| Postage, Freight & Courier | 170.34 | 215.00 |
| Printing & Stationery | 360.00 | 450.00 |
| Profit/Loss On Disposal | (4,600.00) | - |
| Rent | - | 315.00 |
| Subscriptions | 40.00 | - |
| Total Administrative Costs | (2,418.85) | 2,360.00 |
| Operating Profit | (13,312.68) | (416.16) |
Other Income
Profit and Loss Labrador Welfare 19 Nov 2025
Page 1 of 2
Profit and Loss
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Legacies | 19,073.73 | - | |
| Total Other Income | 19,073.73 | - | |
| Profit on Ordinary Activities Before Taxation | 5,761.05 | (416.16) | |
| Profit after Taxation | 5,761.05 | (416.16) | |
| Bank Balances | |||
| Nat West Current Account | £37899.48 | ||
| Nat West No 2 Reserve Account | £11569.26 | ||
| Nat West Reserve Account | £142338.17 |
The Charity has recognised Interest Income in full in the year to 30th April 2025. The interest was not fully declared between 30th April 2021 and 30th April 2024. However having reviewed the amounts involved we do not consider them material to necessitate restating the earlier accounts as it doesn't materially alter the charity's Income or financial position.
The amounts are as follows: 30th April 2021 £30.19 30th April 2022 £19.83 30th April 2023 £665.31 30th April 2024 £1921.34
Independent Examiner
S K Clipperton S K Clipperton (Feb 12, 2026 17:28:39 GMT)
S K Clipperton
Feb 12, 2026
Profit and Loss Labrador Welfare 19 Nov 2025
Page 2 of 2
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ Charity Name LABRADOR WELFARE members of On accounts for the year ended[30 April 2025 ] Set out on pages
Charity no (if any)[1012192 ] (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended DD / MM / YYYY .
Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention (other than that disclosed below *) in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
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the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
- Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.
Signed: S K Clipperton (Feb 12, 2026 17:28:39 GMT) S K Clipperton Date: Feb 12, 2026 ~~Pe [~~ Name: S K Clipperton ~~Pe~~ Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): Address:
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Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
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Trustees Annual report 2024- 2025 (3)
Final Audit Report
2026-02-12
Created: 2026-02-11 By: Sue Blaeford (sueblaeford@gmail.com) Status: Signed Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAATUbgqlhecc2cE_Tz03VARn3MGIAQ1Fs2
"Trustees Annual report 2024- 2025 (3)" History
Document created by Sue Blaeford (sueblaeford@gmail.com)
2026-02-11 - 7:38:18 PM GMT
Document emailed to skclipp@gmail.com for signature
2026-02-11 - 7:39:44 PM GMT
Email viewed by skclipp@gmail.com
2026-02-12 - 5:26:17 PM GMT
Signer skclipp@gmail.com entered name at signing as S K Clipperton 2026-02-12 - 5:28:37 PM GMT
- Document e-signed by S K Clipperton (skclipp@gmail.com) Signature Date: 2026-02-12 - 5:28:39 PM GMT - Time Source: server
Agreement completed.
2026-02-12 - 5:28:39 PM GMT