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2025-12-31-accounts

(Torbay and Westcountry)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees' Annual Report and Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2025

Registered Charity Number 1105487 Company Number 05171505

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' Report 1- 23
Independent Auditors' Report 24- 27
Statement of Financial Activities 28 - 29
Balance Sheet 30
Statement of Cash Flows 31
Notes to the Financial Statements 32- 44

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

The Trustees are pleased to present their annual Trustees’ report together with the financial statements of the Charity for the year ending 31 December 2025 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors’ report and accounts for Companies Act purposes.

The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015).

Trustees:

The Trustees of the Charity who served during the year were:

Geraldine Dix (Chair of Trustees) Amy Cross-Webber (resigned 1[st] July 2025) Alison Truscott Chris Paradine Jo Smith

Company Secretary and Chief Executive Officer:

Neil Thomas

Principal Address and Registered Office:

Biltor Edgelands Lane Ipplepen Newton Abbot Devon. TQ12 5UF

Registered Charity No: 1105487

Registered Company Number: 05171505

Professional Advisers:

Auditors: PKF Francis Clark Solicitors: Kitson Boyce LLP Sigma House Minerva House Oak View Close Orchard Way Torquay Edginswell Park Devon Torquay TQ2 7FF Devon TQ2 7FA Bankers: Lloyds Bank Plc Investment Advisers: Brewin Dolphin 2 Palace Avenue 100 Bishopsgate Paignton London Devon EC2N 4AA TQ3 3ER

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ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

1.0 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

1.1 Legal Status

Animals in Distress (Torbay and Westcountry) is a company limited by guarantee (company number 5171505) and is registered as a charity (number 1105487) with the Charity Commission.

1.2 Governing Document

Animals in Distress (Torbay and Westcountry) is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 4 July 2004.

There is one class of members. The maximum number of members is 20 or such numbers as the members decide. The first members were subscribers to the Memorandum; further members are such individuals or organisations as appointed by the Trustees. There are currently 4 members, each of whom is liable to contribute £10 in the event of the Charity winding up.

1.3 Appointment of Trustees

As set out in the Articles of Association, the first Trustees were the subscribers to the Memorandum. Additional Trustees may be appointed by the Charity in a general meeting or by the other Trustees. A Trustee must be aged 18 or over, must be a member of the Charity and must not be disqualified by virtue of provisions of the Charities or Companies Acts. The number of Trustees may not be less than three but is not subject to a maximum.

At the Annual General Meeting, one third of the Trustees must retire. The Trustees to retire shall be those who have been longest in office since their last appointment.

1.4 Trustee Induction and Training

New Trustees undergo an induction to brief them on their legal obligations under Charity and Company law, the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, governance, the Committee and the decision-making process, the business plan and the recent financial performance of the Charity. During their induction, the new Trustee/s will spend time with the Chief Executive and with the Rescue Centre Management to familiarise themselves with the day-to-day running of the Charity. Ongoing training is given as appropriate to their position.

1.5 Organisation Structure

The Charity is managed through the following areas:

1.6 Governance and Management

The Board of Trustees administers the Charity and meets every three months. A Finance Committee was established by the Board to maintain an overview of and provide advice to it, regarding the financial affairs of the Charity. The Finance Committee meets every three months as part of the main Board meeting and attended by at least three Trustees and the CEO.

The Chief Executive is appointed by the Trustees to manage the day-to-day operations of the Charity. To facilitate effective operating, the Chief Executive has written terms of delegation approved by the Trustees for operational matters including finance and employment.

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ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

1.7 Remuneration of Key Management Personnel

The Charity aims to provide a reward package that is competitive enough to attract and retain highcalibre staff who wish to be part of the Charity’s work. The remuneration of key management personnel is reviewed annually by the Trustees based on workload, responsibilities and performance for the previous year. Salaries are also benchmarked against similar positions both locally and nationally.

1.8 Related Parties

The “new” Charity, Animals in Distress (Torbay and Westcountry) (charity number 1105487) incorporated the tangible and intangible assets of the original “old” Charity, Animals in Distress (Torbay and Westcountry) (charity number 900234) on 31 October 2004. The only excluded assets were future bequests, cash at bank and the benefit of any insurance claims.

1.9 Risk Management

The Trustees actively review the major risks the Charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining reserves at current levels, combined with an annual review of the controls over key financial systems, will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. A comprehensive risk analysis has been completed which has identified control and monitoring procedures to minimise any risk to the Charity and any impact they may have. The results are periodically reviewed.

2.0 STRATEGIC REPORT

The following sections comprise the Charity’s strategic report for the year.

2.1 Objectives and Activities

Animals in Distress (Torbay and Westcountry) exists to alleviate pain, suffering and distress in animals as well as to promote animal welfare practices and responsible pet ownership across Teignbridge, Torbay and South Hams.

Furthermore,

Our care is open to all regardless of an individual’s background or circumstances; the welfare of the animal is the primary concern of the Charity, not where the animal comes from or is going to. This includes the fostering of animals, when an animal has a chronic health issue requiring ongoing veterinary treatment which the Charity pays for, regardless of the individual’s financial circumstances.

The activities carried out during the course of the year (as set out in the following section) demonstrate the level of Trustee and management commitment in ensuring that the Charity delivers real and tangible benefit to the public in all of its operations and thereby meets the public benefit requirements as set out by the Charity Commission in both spirit and word.

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ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

2.2 Achievements and Performance

2.2.1 Overview

During 2025, Animals in Distress (Torbay and Westcountry) continued to deliver vital services in line with our charitable objectives, providing care, protection and rehoming opportunities for animals in need across the region. Despite ongoing pressures on the animal welfare sector, the charity demonstrated resilience, adaptability and a continued commitment to high standards of animal care.

Throughout the year, the charity focused on rescuing vulnerable animals, delivering appropriate veterinary treatment and rehabilitation, and securing responsible, permanent homes wherever possible. Each animal received individual assessment and care tailored to their needs, reflecting the charity’s commitment to animal welfare and ethical rehoming practices.

Animals in Distress (Torbay and Westcountry) also maintained strong partnerships with local authorities, veterinary professionals and other welfare organisations. These collaborations supported effective rescue responses, shared expertise and helped ensure that animals receive timely and appropriate support. Community engagement remained a key priority, with the charity continuing to raise awareness of responsible pet ownership and animal welfare issues.

The dedication of staff and volunteers was central to the charity’s performance during 2025. Their skills, compassion and commitment enabled the charity to operate effectively despite financial and operational challenges affecting the wider sector. Volunteers provided essential support across animal care, fundraising and administrative functions.

Fundraising activities and public support remained crucial to sustaining the charity’s work. The organisation continued to manage resources carefully, ensuring that funds were used efficiently and in direct support for its charitable purposes.

Overall, 2025 was a year of steady progress and continued impact. Animals in Distress remain committed to improving outcomes for animals in need and to strengthening our services in the years ahead, guided by our core values of compassion, responsibility and transparency.

2.2.2 Financial Pressure and Rising Costs

In 2025, Animals in Distress (Torbay and Westcountry) like many UK charities, faced a deepening financial squeeze. The cost of running organisations, from staff wages to energy bills, continued to rise, driven by ongoing inflation and a higher National Living Wage. Research throughout the year showed that a large proportion of charities were struggling to balance income and expenditure, with many using cherished reserves just to stay afloat. Surveys indicated that charity finances were worsening for most, with many reporting deficits even when trying to cut costs.

One of the most acute pressures came from tax and employment cost increases. A notable rise in employer National Insurance Contributions in April 2025 hit charities hard, especially those with larger staff teams, squeezing already narrow budgets and making it harder to recruit and retain skilled workers. Some organisations responded by reducing salaries, freezing hires, or shrinking office space, choices no charity wanted to make.

Alongside higher costs, fundraising became more difficult. Public donations remained a crucial income source, but figures suggested that support from individuals and especially from businesses was erratic. A significant portion of British companies did not donate time, money, or goods to charities, and corporate giving levels dropped compared with previous years, leaving charities to work harder to secure the funds they needed.

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ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Many small charities were particularly exposed. Research found that nearly half feared closure soon, with some having only months of funding left. For these smaller organisations, reduced grant support and rising operational costs compounded fears that they might not survive the next year.

At the same time, demand for charitable services climbed sharply. More people in the UK relied on charities for food, financial support, health advice, and other essential help, sometimes three times as many as just a few years earlier. This was happening precisely as traditional sources of support (like public services) grappled with their own budget pressures, pushing more responsibility onto the voluntary sector.

The mismatch between rising need and tightening finances forced charities into hard decisions. Some had to cut back or stop services, others reorganised or merged with similar organisations to stay viable, and nearly every charity had to rethink how it managed its limited resources.

Beyond finances and fundraising, charities also wrestled with governance and operational challenges. Recruitment of trustees and skilled board members was difficult, leaving some organisations stretched thin on leadership and oversight. The regulatory environment remained complex, and emerging risks, from cyber threats to misinformation, added another layer of strain for organisations already fighting for stability.

Critics and commentators also highlighted a growing dilemma: charities were increasingly expected to fill gaps left by austerity-era government policy, providing services once covered by public welfare. This expectation stretched them beyond core missions, undermining long-term planning and, in some cases, the trust between communities and the charities that serve them.

In summary, 2025 was an exceptionally challenging year for UK charities. They faced a “big squeeze” of rising costs, weakening traditional support, and surging demand for services. For many, the struggle wasn’t just about survival, it was about preserving purpose in an environment where resources were shrinking even as the needs, they exist to serve grew ever larger.

2.2.3 The Rescue Centre

The main challenge and concern for Animals in Distress (Torbay and Westcountry), certainly in the medium term, continues to be fundraising and the uncertainty around income. Animals in Distress is typical of most other animal charities in that an important part of our income comes from legacies and those legacies are often dependent upon the sale of property to liquidate the bequest. The property market had been buoyant for a few years, which had helped us realise the level of legacy income far more than we could have hoped for. However, 2025 saw the property market struggling and house prices fall, predominantly because of the squeeze in household finances, caused mainly by the cost-ofliving crisis. It means that the future for legacies linked to property sales is potentially less certain.

We continued with our business continuity planning in 2025 by keeping animal numbers at the Rescue Centre to a level where we could comfortably cope. This remained crucial for many reasons, primarily for the well-being of the animals, as issues such as separation anxiety meant that some animals stayed with us longer. Secondly, working with a reduced staffing level, we still needed to deliver the same exceptional standards of care and thirdly, to ensure we lived within our means.

There continues to be an increased demand for our services, including emergency admissions for all sorts of reasons including illness, bereavement, owners losing their jobs and/or no longer able to afford to look after their animals, the anticipated increases in approaches to take on more animals has certainly borne out and that continues to be the case.

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ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

During 2025, we continued to focus on leanness as a matter of approach, reducing our costs, stripping out any waste and drive efficiencies. The challenge with a ‘lean’ approach is that it could leave the Charity less resilient. We looked for further ways of working better and more compatible with the changing world we now live in, including placing a greater reliance on digital customer journeys and experiences.

As previously reported, after careful consideration about how we can best serve our local community and the animals in our care, admission and rehoming of the animals continues to be by appointment only, with the Rescue Centre animal departments remaining closed to public access. Over the last six years, the animals in our care have been used to the relative calm of being closed to the public and as a result, we have seen a marked decrease in the stress levels exhibited by the animals. We remain mindful that a sudden influx of daily visitors would cause certain welfare issues. We love having visitors to the Rescue Centre and our Reception is open daily, however, not only are there welfare issues to consider, but we also now have fewer staff available each day to attend to a steady stream of people.

Like most charities, it continues to be a hugely challenging period for Animals in Distress and in the current financial climate we continue to be forced to operate with smaller teams than in years gone by. The priority for our Rescue Centre teams remains, of course, looking after the animals we care for. We will continue to review this position periodically and may decide to open again for public access on a restricted basis at some point in the future but there are no current plans to do so whilst we continue to navigate through these continued difficult times.

The sustainability of the sector continues to be tested amid ongoing economic pressures, and we recognise that significant challenges still lie ahead. However, we remain resolutely determined to ensure Animals in Distress and the Rescue Centre continues to be as relevant as ever, serving the community in a trusted, transparent, and impactful way.

While the long-term effects of the pandemic, post-Brexit realities, global conflicts, persistent inflation, evolving government fiscal policies, and shifting international trade conditions are still unfolding, their impact on the not-for-profit sector is already being keenly felt. Despite this, we remain hopeful that these global challenges will continue to inspire greater compassion, community support, and collective responsibility, values that are more essential than ever.

2.2.4 Pet Ownership in the UK: Context and Outlook

In 2025, pet ownership remained a defining aspect of life across the UK. Millions of people continue to share their homes with animals not as possessions, but as valued companions, family members, and sources of emotional support and wellbeing.

Current estimates suggest that approximately 57% of UK households own at least one pet, representing between 36 and 38 million animals nationwide. Dogs and cats remain the most popular, with around 13.5 million dogs and 12.5 million cats living in UK homes.

While overall pet ownership levels have stabilised following earlier peaks in the decade, the strength of the human–animal bond remains undiminished. Research consistently shows that most owners consider their pets to be part of the family, underlining the deep emotional significance of these relationships.

The role of pets in UK households continues to evolve. Beyond companionship, animals are increasingly recognised for the wider contribution they make to emotional wellbeing, family life, and society:

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ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Despite these positive trends, important challenges persist:

Against this backdrop, our work remains essential. During 2025, we have:

Pets play a vital role in the lives of millions of people across the UK, contributing significantly to emotional wellbeing, social connection, and economic activity. As demand for support grows, we remain committed to ensuring that pet ownership is sustainable, responsible, and accessible. Looking ahead, our focus will continue to be on strengthening the support available to both pets and their owners, helping to build a future in which every pet can live a healthy, safe, and valued life.

2.2.5 Government Business Support

In 2025, UK government support for animal charities focused primarily on enabling partnership, improving the operating environment and strengthening organisational sustainability, rather than providing direct funding. While most animal welfare organisations continued to rely on public donations and charitable grants, the year marked a shift in how government engaged with charities as part of the wider economy and public service landscape.

A key development was the launch of the Civil Society Covenant, a cross-government framework designed to strengthen collaboration between government and charities. The Covenant recognised charities as strategic partners in policy design and service delivery, encouraging earlier engagement and more collaborative, long-term approaches. Although it did not provide direct financial support, it improved the environment in which animal charities operate and engage with public bodies.

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ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Building on this approach, government announced the Local Covenant Partnerships Fund, which supports collaboration between local authorities and voluntary organisations. While not animal-specific, this funding created opportunities for animal charities to participate in multi-year local partnerships, contribute specialist expertise and strengthen organisational capacity through funded coordination and delivery roles.

In parallel, government departments increased efforts to make public sector contracting more accessible to voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations. Measures to reduce barriers to procurement created potential opportunities for charities to diversify income through commissioned services and develop more sustainable business models.

Alongside these structural changes, some animal charities were able to access broader community and resilience funding schemes administered by government or local authorities. These typically small grants supported operational resilience, infrastructure and local outreach.

Overall, government business support for animal charities in 2025 was characterised by system-level change rather than direct investment. While financial pressures remained significant, these developments laid important foundations for stronger partnerships, improved sustainability and greater recognition of charities’ economic and social value.

2.2.6 Retail Overview and Operation

In 2025, the retail operation of Animals in Distress remained a vital and sustainable income stream, supporting the charity’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals. Through a mix of physical shops and online sales, retail activity also increased public awareness and community engagement.

The retail portfolio consists primarily of charity shops selling donated goods such as clothing, homeware, books, and accessories. Located within local communities, these shops maximise footfall, encourage donations, and provide volunteering opportunities, while also serving as informal outreach points for animal welfare education.

An evolving omnichannel approach reflects changing consumer behaviour. Alongside high-street shops, online platforms are used to sell higher-value items and reach wider audiences. Digital systems support stock control, Gift Aid processing, and compliance with regulations.

Sustainability remains central, with retail operations promoting reuse and reducing waste. Environmentally conscious practices are embedded across shop fitting, packaging, and day-to-day operations.

Volunteers continue to play a crucial role, supported through recruitment, training, and engagement initiatives, while paid staff ensure leadership, operational standards, and compliance. Overall, the retail operation remains resilient, community-focused, and adaptable, balancing commercial best practice with charitable values to support financial stability.

Across the wider sector in 2025, charity retail continued to evolve beyond transactional spaces, positioning shops as community hubs and sustainability drivers. However, trading conditions were challenging, with rising costs, flat income growth, and reduced high street footfall impacting profitability. Policy changes, including increased employment costs, further pressured margins.

In response, many charities expanded online sales through platforms such as eBay and Depop, while others explored innovation through larger store formats and new retail models. Sustainability trends also continued to drive demand for second-hand goods.

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ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

The sector faces both risks and opportunities. Rising costs, reduced footfall, and changing donation patterns present challenges, while digital growth, innovation, and sustainability positioning offer potential for expansion. Looking ahead, success will depend on adapting to changing retail dynamics by combining community-based strengths with digital engagement and innovation.

For Animals in Distress, retail remains essential in generating unrestricted income to fund the Rescue Centre. Maintaining customer-focused shops tailored to local demand is key, requiring effective use of space, data-driven pricing, and differentiated retail formats.

In late 2025, an external Retail Health Check was commissioned to assess performance and identify opportunities for improvement. Conducted by Skyline Business Services, the review evaluated shop environments, stock management, sales performance, volunteer engagement, and compliance. The process provided independent insight, benchmarking, and practical recommendations to improve efficiency, profitability, and customer experience. It also reinforced the charity’s commitment to continuous improvement and long-term sustainability. This proactive approach ensures that our retail operations are well positioned to maximise income and remain effective in an increasingly competitive and evolving sector.

Charity retail is changing and these are our two key predictions for 2026.

Customer demographics are widening, with more younger shoppers attracted by affordability, sustainability, and brand access. Competition is increasing from online platforms (e.g. resale apps). Higher customer expectations require better in-store experiences. Key optimisation areas: Effective store layout and customer journey, smart use of retail space and high-traffic areas (“hot spots”), balanced product mix and strategic pricing of donated goods. The bottom line is that success in our shops in 2026 depends on operational optimisation, not just shop refits.

The biggest challenges in 2026 are:

The main opportunities are:

In 2026, charity retail is at a crossroads:

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ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

We feel that success will likely come from blending traditional community-based retail strengths with innovation, sustainability narratives, and digital engagement — keeping our charity retail relevant and resilient in the years ahead.

Our charity shops remain incredibly important to our shoppers as they look for affordable shopping choices to help combat the effects of the cost-of-living crisis. We continue to work hard to provide our customers with the best shopping experiences that meet their needs. The main reason for our retail portfolio is to generate profit/unrestricted income that the Charity can use to help fund the work we do at the Rescue Centre and we must never lose sight of that.

I mentioned in last year’s report that the Charity were purchasing a property in Victoria Street pedestrian area of Paignton to add to our retail portfolio. After a protracted conveyancing process, we eventually exchanged and completed the purchase in mid-February 2025. We were hoping to be able to open the new shop there during 2025, however, the property had to have extensive roof work carried out first which took an extended period, with progress hampered by a very wet autumn and winter. The work was eventually completed in April 2026. The shop fit is planned for Q2 2026 and with recruitment of staff and volunteers to follow, we are aiming to open the shop in the second half of 2026.

Safeguarding the future of our retail operation is important for our future income and by owning rather renting, in time, it will make the shop far more profitable, and it is an investment for the charity. Purchasing the property does not impact on our plans to eventually fund the refurbishment of the kennels. We have no plans currently to close any of our shops, in favour of this new one.

2.2.7 Rescue Centre Improvements

During the year, we continued our rolling programme of improvements to the facilities at our Rescue Centre in Ipplepen. Although no major projects were undertaken in 2025, we still maintained facilities where possible, to continue to provide a safe working environment for our staff and volunteers, excellent accommodation for the animals and to ensure that the site always remained presentable.

2.2.8 Adoption Fees

Our adoption fees remain broadly in line with other charities, both locally and nationally. At the start of each year, we apply a modest increase to the animal adoption fees which goes someway to offset some of the increasing veterinary costs we incur to give the animals the very best treatment and care. It generally costs the Charity far more to look after and treat each animal than the adoption fee covers. Occasionally, we charge a higher adoption fee for certain breeds and this additional income, ensures that we can help more animals that come into our care. In the face of rising costs, we applied an increase to our adoption fees for certain animals from the start of 2025 to help mitigate the situation.

When an adoptor rehomes an animal from Animals in Distress, they take home a pet which has been fully assessed by our expert animal welfare staff, as well as our veterinary surgeon. Every pet at the Rescue Centre is examined by a vet, vaccinated, microchipped, neutered, wormed and flea treated (where appropriate for their species) and given any necessary treatments and where appropriate given a training plan designed to meet their specific needs.

2.2.9 Key Statistics

In 2025, we admitted 342 animals (392 in 2024) to the Rescue Centre (73 dogs, 186 cats/kittens, 58 guinea pigs and 25 rabbits) and rehomed 328 animals (379 in 2024) in the same period (78 dogs, 168 cats/kittens, 55 guinea pigs and 27 rabbits). This represented approximately a 13% decrease in admissions and rehoming compared to 2024.

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ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Admissions and departures declined in 2025 compared with the previous year. This reduction was driven by a combination of factors, including lower staffing levels, an increase in animals requiring more extensive veterinary care, increased behavioural issues resulting in longer stays, rising operational costs, and reduced demand associated with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

We continued to implement and further develop the Open Paw Programme within our kennels, enabling us to support a significant number of dogs in finding their permanent homes. The Open Paw Programme is specifically designed for dogs and cats in rescue centres, providing enrichment, training, and socialisation to enhance their rehoming prospects and support a successful transition into new homes.

During 2025, Animals in Distress maintained its collaborative efforts with other animal welfare organisations. We provided ongoing support to Cats Protection by taking in several pregnant queens, cats, and kittens, and to the RSPCA by accommodating several dogs, rabbits, and guinea pigs. We remain committed to assisting fellow animal charities, both locally and nationally, whenever capacity allows and a need arises.

Animals in Distress continues to prioritise the health and wellbeing of all animals in our care, ensuring they receive appropriate and timely veterinary treatment. While the reduced number of animals during the pandemic led to lower treatment requirements and associated costs, expenditure increased in the past year. This reflects the growing number of animals arriving with more complex and, in some cases, extensive veterinary needs.

In 2025, a total of 3,310 consultations and treatments were delivered, including vaccinations, parasite control, and surgical procedures such as neutering and orthopaedic operations (2024: 3,707). This represents a 10.7% decrease compared with the previous year. Wherever feasible, most treatments and surgeries continued to be carried out on site at the Rescue Centre, supporting operational efficiency and animal welfare outcomes. Total veterinary expenditure, including ancillary costs such as laboratory fees, medical gases, medications, and equipment, amounted to £74,841 (2024: £94,881), reflecting a notable reduction year-on-year.

We continue to benefit from access to discounted veterinary medicines through MWI Animal Health (AmerisourceBergen), a leading provider of distribution, software, and procurement solutions within the veterinary sector. This arrangement supports cost-effective procurement while maintaining high standards of care. In addition, we source medicines from Veenak Veterinary Supplies, a wellestablished supplier specialising in competitively priced human medicines for veterinary use. Their provision of high-quality products and tailored solutions enables us to meet a wide range of clinical needs efficiently.

2.2.10 Veterinary Contract

Veterinary services at the Rescue Centre continue to be provided by Quarry House Vets. The Charity has maintained a strong and effective working relationship with this independent practice for over a decade. Our ongoing priority is to ensure the delivery of high-quality, up-to-date veterinary care for all animals in our care. While the Charity may consider undertaking a formal retendering process at an appropriate time, we will continue to engage Quarry House Vets, as they are currently meeting our requirements and expectations.

On 24[th] March 2026, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published its final report following a comprehensive market investigation into veterinary services for household pets across the UK. The report concluded that the market is not working as effectively as it should for pet owners, particularly in terms of affordability, transparency, and consumer choice.

11

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

The CMA found that many pet owners face high and rising costs, alongside limited visibility of prices and treatment options, making it difficult to make informed decisions about their animals’ care. The investigation also highlighted concerns about increasing consolidation within the sector, with large corporate groups owning a significant share of veterinary practices, potentially weakening competition at the local level. The final report identified several key issues:

To address these concerns, the CMA recommended a package of reforms aimed at improving outcomes for pet owners and supporting a more competitive market. These include:

The CMA concluded that these changes are necessary to ensure that pet owners can access affordable, high-quality veterinary care, and to promote a market that works better for both consumers and animal welfare.

Many of the animals we take in are because their owners are struggling to pay their vet bills, potentially overpaying for medicines and they don’t always know the best treatment options available to them. We also remain concerned about the potential impact of sector consolidation and the incentives for large, integrated vet groups to act in ways which reduce consumer choice.

2.2.11 Big Bark Kennel Build Project/Kennel Refurbishment

During the reporting period, the charity has continued to progress long-term plans to improve its kennel facilities. Originally, the development of a completely new kennel block was explored; however, significantly increased construction and operating costs have made this option unfeasible at present.

In response, the charity has redirected its focus toward a phased refurbishment and reconfiguration of the existing kennel buildings. Working with appointed architects, design proposals have been developed to improve the layout and functionality of the current facilities, while also considering the wider site’s potential. This includes early-stage planning for additional supporting infrastructure, such as isolation kennels, boarding facilities, and a veterinary building, which would need to be established prior to any major refurbishment works to ensure continuity of animal care.

Despite this progress, the project remains at an early design and feasibility stage. Ongoing financial pressures, particularly relating to construction and long-term operational costs, continue to present significant challenges. As a result, the scheme is currently being refined to explore more cost-effective building methods and phased delivery options. The Trustees remain committed to delivering improved kennel provision for the animals in their care and will continue to review and develop the project as fundraising opportunities and financial conditions allow.

12

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

2.2.12 Use of Volunteers

Animals in Distress continued to benefit significantly from the outstanding contribution of its volunteers throughout 2025. While the long-term effects of the pandemic had previously impacted on volunteer numbers, we are pleased to report that engagement has now stabilised, with both returning and newly recruited volunteers supporting the Charity across a wide range of activities. Targeted recruitment initiatives over recent years have strengthened volunteer numbers in key roles and locations, ensuring continued operational resilience.

During 2025, volunteers contributed a total of 15,955 hours to the Charity (2024: 15,418 hours), supporting our retail operations, the Rescue Centre, community fundraising initiatives, and Head Office functions. This sustained increase reflects both improved volunteer retention and the success of ongoing recruitment efforts.

We remain deeply appreciative of the vital role our volunteers play in the success of the Charity. We are committed to further expanding volunteer involvement across additional areas, including administration, fundraising, and events. The Charity continues to apply a robust recruitment and selection process for volunteers, consistent with that used for staff, ensuring appropriate support, safeguarding, and alignment with organisational values.

2.2.13 Fundraising Activity

Engagement with our local community remains central to our fundraising activity, and during 2025 we both deepened existing relationships and established new connections. Over the course of the year, we attended a wide range of community events, including coffee mornings, fairs and fetes, and delivered talks to WI branches and other local groups. A particular highlight was our involvement in Torbay Pride, where we were proud to host and run the event’s dog show.

We continued to expand our outreach work with local care homes and schools, further strengthening our presence within the community. Visits to care homes, where we delivered talks and introduced residents to some of our animals, were especially well received. We were also grateful for the enthusiasm shown by school students completing their Torbay Civic Awards, many of whom chose to fundraise for us and promote our work.

Our events calendar remained busy throughout the year, with the summer and autumn months proving especially active. Alongside attending numerous local fayres and markets, we organised community dog shows that helped to raise both vital funds and awareness of the animals in our care.

We are continually inspired by the dedication of our supporters, who once again organised and participated in a wide range of fundraising events and personal challenges on our behalf. We remain extremely thankful for the generosity shown by individuals, community groups and local businesses, particularly during a period of ongoing financial pressure for many households.

Muddy Mutts returned for its second year and was again very well attended, building on the success of its inaugural event. It continues to grow in popularity and has become an important and enjoyable fixture in our fundraising calendar, with strong potential for further development in the years ahead.

The Christmas period provided another important focus for fundraising and engagement. We attended several festive fayres and markets and worked in partnership with Teignbridge Council to deliver the Dog Friendly Christmas Carol Service. In addition, our team supported the Totnes Christmas markets on Tuesday evenings throughout December, in collaboration with our Totnes charity shop.

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ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Our fundraising income is supported by a broad and balanced mix of activities, including individual donations and legacies, event and challenge fundraising, social media appeals, trusts and grants, community-led initiatives, and corporate partnerships. This diverse approach helps to maintain resilience while enabling us to reach a wide and varied audience.

We remain extremely grateful to our two local Pets at Home stores for their continued support through the Community Partnership scheme. In addition to hosting regular in-store fundraising activities, they provided pallets of essential goods for the animals in our care and access to VIP Lifelines, helping us to secure food and supplies throughout the year.

Our annual Summer Raffle, operated under our Small Society Lottery Licence with Teignbridge Council, continues to receive strong support. Our partnership with Your Charity Lottery also provides a valuable and reliable income stream through a dedicated lottery run on our behalf.

Maintaining positive and respectful relationships with our supporters is a key priority. Our Supporter Care Charter underpins this approach, ensuring that all supporters are thanked appropriately and treated with care and consideration. We aim to acknowledge every donation personally, whether through phone calls, emails or handwritten notes.

Clear and consistent communication remains central to our fundraising success. Our twice-yearly magazine and social media channels continue to play an important role in keeping our community informed and engaged, and throughout 2025 we saw strong levels of interaction and support across our digital platforms.

As a registered member of the Fundraising Regulator, we adhere to the Fundraising Promise and the Code of Fundraising Practice. Our GDPR policy further ensures that supporters’ personal information is handled securely and with respect for their privacy.

A few highlights of 2025 include:

2.2.14 The Importance of Legacies

Leaving a legacy to Animals in Distress (Torbay & Westcountry) whether as a residuary gift, a pecuniary sum or a specific bequest is critically important to the charity’s ongoing work and long-term sustainability in the UK.

One of the key reasons legacies matter so much is that they form a vital proportion of the charity’s income, underpinning both day-to-day operations and larger capital projects. Legacy gifts left in supporters’ Wills have enabled significant developments such as the new cattery and sensory garden, facilities that have enhanced animal welfare and have broadened the scope of care the charity can offer.

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ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Legacy income also brings a level of financial stability and resilience that regular donations alone can’t always deliver. Long-term planning and budgeting are fundamental for any charity that must provide veterinary care, shelter, food and socialisation for animals whilst also coping with rising costs.

Legacy gifts have represented substantial contributions in recent years, reflecting trust in the organisation and it has empowered us to meet increasing demand without excessive reliance on more volatile fundraising streams.

Beyond the financial aspect, legacies are a powerful way for supporters to express their values and ensure their compassion for animals, endures after their lifetime . Many people who leave a gift do so because of a personal connection, for example, having adopted a pet from the charity and want to guarantee that future generations of animals receive the same care and opportunities. Legacy giving thus becomes both practical support and a heartfelt continuation of a supporter’s commitment to animal welfare.

In 2025, we received legacies totaling £789,414 (£974,887 in 2024) from the estates of 29 legators. This was a significant amount received and we are so grateful to those who thought of Animals in Distress at the time they wrote their Wills. Many of those supporters had adopted animals from us over the years.

Legacy income is more than just a financial asset; it is a testament to the lasting impact of charitable work and the trust placed in organisations such as Animals in Distress, by their supporters. As the sector continues to evolve, embracing and enhancing legacy giving will be crucial for ensuring that charities can meet future challenges and continue to make a meaningful difference in communities across the UK.

2.2.15 Staff Personal Development

The charity remains committed to supporting the ongoing personal and professional development of all staff members across Animals in Distress (Torbay & Westcountry). Investing in our team is central to maintaining high standards of animal welfare and ensuring that staff are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence required to carry out their roles effectively and compassionately.

During the reporting period, staff have continued to access a range of training opportunities relevant to their roles within animal care, rehabilitation, rehoming, and centre operations. This has included both mandatory training such as health and safety, safeguarding, and animal welfare protocols as well as role-specific development to strengthen practical animal handling skills and deepen understanding of behavioural and medical needs.

In addition to formal training, the charity has encouraged ongoing informal learning and peer support within teams. Regular supervision and team discussions have provided opportunities for reflection, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement in day-to-day practice. Staff are also supported to pursue external courses and qualifications where appropriate, helping to build long-term professional development pathways within the animal welfare sector.

The trustees recognise that staff wellbeing and development are closely linked to the quality of care provided to animals. As such, efforts continue to ensure that development opportunities are accessible, relevant, and aligned with both organisational priorities and individual aspirations.

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ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

2.2.16 Animal Welfare Law

In 2025, the UK Government introduced a wide-ranging programme of animal welfare reforms, centred on the publication of the Animal Welfare Strategy for England. This strategy outlines an ambitious, longterm framework to strengthen protections for companion animals, farmed animals, and wildlife, and will inform future legislation and regulatory change.

Key legislative developments include the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025, which enhances enforcement powers and penalties to address livestock worrying, and the progression of the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, aimed at tackling puppy smuggling and improving import welfare standards. The Government has also reaffirmed its commitment to the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, which proposes further measures such as banning live exports for slaughter and restricting the keeping of primates as pets.

In addition, sector-specific improvements have been introduced, including updated zoo welfare standards and revised animal transport regulations. Several further proposals such as phasing out intensive farming practices, strengthening wildlife protections, and banning certain inhumane practices remain under consideration and are expected to be developed through future legislation.

Overall, these reforms reflect a continued focus on modernising animal welfare law, strengthening enforcement, and raising standards across all areas of animal care, with further changes anticipated in the coming years.

2.3 Challenges Ahead

Like many charities, Animals in Distress (Torbay and Westcountry) anticipates a number of ongoing challenges in 2026. These include continued economic pressures, changing patterns in donor behaviour, the need to develop innovative and sustainable fundraising approaches, and the importance of demonstrating measurable impact. At the same time, the Charity must adapt to increasing digital reliance while managing associated cybersecurity risks.

Financial sustainability remains a key concern. Rising operational costs, including energy, staffing, and facilities continue to place pressure on resources, while demand for services remains high. Competition for grants and donations is increasing, and funding from local authorities remains constrained, creating challenges for smaller organisations reliant on short-term funding arrangements.

Governance and regulatory requirements also present ongoing complexities. Ensuring an effective Board of Trustees with the appropriate skills and experience is essential, while evolving legal and compliance expectations requires continued attention to maintain high standards of accountability and public trust.

Workforce recruitment and retention continue to be challenging across the sector. The Charity faces competition from other sectors in attracting and retaining skilled staff, which can impact on capacity and service delivery. Volunteers remain vital to our work; however, reliance on voluntary support must be balanced with the need for professional expertise in key areas.

Increasing digitalisation brings both opportunities and risks. While digital tools support fundraising and operational efficiency, they also expose charities to growing cybersecurity threats, requiring appropriate safeguards and oversight.

In addition, charities are operating within a complex social and economic environment. Wider economic conditions, including inflation and changes to employment costs, continue to affect both organisational expenditure and the ability of supporters to give. Reputational considerations also remain important, as charities navigate heightened public scrutiny and an evolving communications landscape.

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ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

In summary, the year ahead presents a combination of financial, operational, and external challenges. Addressing these will require careful planning, adaptability, and continued investment in people, systems, and income diversification to ensure the Charity remains resilient and able to deliver its vital services.

2.3.1 Strategic Risks and Outlook for 2026

As Animals in Distress (Torbay and Westcountry) looks ahead to 2026, the Trustees have identified several key strategic risks that may influence the Charity’s operating environment and long-term sustainability.

The most significant of these relates to ongoing financial pressure. Rising costs across veterinary care, utilities, staffing, and essential supplies continue to affect the Charity’s cost base, while income streams, particularly donations and retail performance remain sensitive to wider economic conditions. This creates an environment of uncertainty that requires careful financial planning and monitoring.

At the same time, demand for the Charity’s services is expected to remain high. Cost-of-living challenges faced by pet owners are contributing to increased numbers of animals requiring support, placing sustained pressure on capacity, resources, and service delivery.

Workforce sustainability also remains a key consideration. While volunteer engagement has shown improvement, the recruitment and retention of both staff and volunteers continues to be essential to maintaining service levels and organisational resilience.

In addition, the Charity must continue to ensure that its facilities and infrastructure remain fit for purpose, while adapting to evolving regulatory requirements and best practice in animal welfare and charity governance. The Trustees will continue to monitor these strategic risks closely and adapt plans as necessary to ensure that the Charity remains resilient, responsive, and well-positioned to deliver its objectives.

2.3.2 Employment Rights Act 2025 – Implications for the Charity

The introduction of the Employment Rights Act 2025 represents one of the most significant changes to UK employment legislation in a generation, with wide-ranging reforms designed to strengthen worker protections, improve job security, and modernise workplace practices. While the legislation received Royal Assent in December 2025, many of its provisions will be implemented in phases between 2026 and 2027, giving organisations time to prepare for the changes.

For charities such as Animals in Distress (Torbay & Westcountry), the Act is likely to bring both opportunities and challenges. Key measures include enhanced rights from day one of employment in areas such as family leave, expanded statutory sick pay, and stronger protections against unfair dismissal, alongside new safeguards around working hours and employment contracts. The introduction of guaranteed hours for some workers, improved notice for shifts, and restrictions on practices such as “fire and rehire” are intended to provide greater stability and fairness for employees. From an organisational perspective, these reforms are expected to increase administrative and financial pressures, particularly for smaller charities operating within constrained budgets. Changes such as earlier entitlement to sick pay and enhanced employment protections will increase staffing costs and require more robust workforce planning. At a time when the sector is already facing high demand and limited resources, these additional obligations will need to be carefully managed to ensure continued service delivery.

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ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

However, the Act also presents potential benefits. By improving working conditions and promoting fair treatment, the legislation may support staff recruitment and retention which is an ongoing challenge across the charity sector. A more secure and supportive working environment can help attract committed employees and reduce turnover, ultimately strengthening organisational resilience.

Animals in Distress will continue to monitor the phased introduction of these reforms and adapt its policies and practices accordingly. While recognising the potential operational impact, the Charity remains committed to being a fair and responsible employer, ensuring compliance with the new legislation while maintaining its focus on delivering high-quality care and support for animals in need.

2.3.3 Top Fundraising Trends for 2026

The UK fundraising landscape in 2026 continues to evolve in response to economic pressure, changing donor behaviour, and rapid advances in technology. While overall giving remains resilient, charities are operating in a more competitive and complex environment, requiring a shift toward deeper donor engagement, diversified income streams, and data-led decision-making.

Declining Donor Participation: The number of individuals giving to charity in the UK has continued to fall, with participation rates significantly lower than a decade ago. At the same time, average donation values are under pressure due to the ongoing cost-of-living challenges. Implications:

Growth of Data-Driven Fundraising: Charities are increasingly leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence to better understand supporter behaviour and optimise fundraising performance. Implications:

Rise in Reactive and Event-Driven Giving: Donor behaviour is increasingly influenced by real-time events, media coverage, and social platforms, with a growing proportion of donations made spontaneously. Implications:

Expansion of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Community-led and peer-to-peer fundraising continues to grow, driven by social networks and personal advocacy. Implications:

Increased Focus on Trust and Transparency: Public expectations around accountability and impact reporting are rising. Donors increasingly seek clear evidence of how their contributions are used. Implications:

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ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Emergence of Immersive Technologies: Innovative tools such as virtual and augmented reality are being used to create more engaging and emotionally compelling donor experiences. Implications:

Diversification of Income Streams: With increasing volatility in traditional funding sources, charities are expanding their income strategies to include a broader mix of revenue streams. Implications:

Donor Fatigue and Changing Giving Preferences: Economic pressures and increased demand for support have contributed to signs of donor fatigue, alongside a shift toward alternative forms of giving. Implications:

Evolving Regulatory Environment: Changes in data protection and marketing regulations, including the introduction of soft opt-in provisions, are shaping how charities engage with supporters. Implications:

2.4 Financial Sustainability

Generating income and achieving long-term financial sustainability remain the principal and ongoing challenges facing Animals in Distress. Nevertheless, it is important to maintain a positive outlook for the organisation’s future, with confidence strengthening as income levels improve. Overall, we remain cautiously optimistic, more so about the prospects of our own organisation than those of the wider sector.

2.5 Ensuring We Live Within Our Means

As challenging conditions persist, many charities are reaching the limits of their capacity to meet sustained and growing demand for their services. Ongoing pressure on resources, combined with reduced delivery capacity, has led increasing numbers of organisations to draw on reserves to cover core operating costs. We have remained committed to living within our means, particularly over the past few difficult years and, as a result, have not needed to utilise our reserves.

While demand for our services remains high, we continue to manage intake carefully in line with our financial capacity. This disciplined and pragmatic approach has enabled us to maintain a strong standard of service without compromising the Charity’s financial stability or long-term sustainability.

It also ensures that we are well positioned to meet manageable levels of demand and to continue delivering high-quality support for many years to come.

19

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

2.6 Volunteer Retention

Volunteers remain at the heart of Animals in Distress (Torbay & Westcountry), and their continued commitment is essential to the delivery of our services. In a period where many charities are experiencing increased turnover and reduced availability of volunteers, we recognise that retention is both a challenge and a priority. We are deeply grateful for the dedication shown by our volunteers, many of whom have continued to give their time and energy despite wider economic pressures and competing personal commitments.

Over the past year, we have focused on strengthening volunteer engagement by improving communication, offering greater flexibility in roles, and ensuring that individuals feel supported and valued in their contribution. Regular check-ins, clearer role expectations, and opportunities for feedback have helped us to better understand volunteer needs and respond proactively. We have also continued to invest in training and development, enabling volunteers to build confidence and skills while enhancing the quality of care we provide.

Creating a positive and inclusive volunteer environment remains central to our approach. By fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose, we aim to ensure that volunteers feel connected to the Charity’s mission and to one another. This not only supports retention but also enhances the overall volunteer experience, encouraging long-term involvement.

While challenges in volunteer recruitment and retention are likely to persist across the sector, we remain committed to adapting our approach and building resilience within our volunteer base. By valuing and supporting those who give their time so generously, we are confident that volunteers will continue to play a vital role in sustaining the Charity’s work now and into the future.

2.7 Resilience in Action: Navigating Challenging Times in the Charity Sector

The current operating environment continues to present significant challenges for charities, with sustained pressure on income, rising demand for services, and increasing costs across all areas of delivery. In this context, it is more important than ever for organisations to remain agile, forward-thinking, and focused on long-term sustainability while continuing to meet immediate needs.

One of the most effective ways charities can navigate these difficult conditions is by strengthening financial resilience. This includes diversifying income streams, investing in sustainable fundraising activity, and building stronger relationships with supporters, partners, and local communities. A balanced approach to income generation helps reduce reliance on any single source and provides greater stability during periods of uncertainty.

Equally important is the need to prioritise efficiency and ensure that resources are used as effectively as possible. This may involve reviewing service delivery models, making considered operational adjustments, and embracing opportunities for collaboration with other organisations. By working together and sharing expertise where appropriate, charities can often achieve better outcomes while reducing duplication of effort.

At the same time, investing in people remains essential. Supporting staff and volunteers through training, wellbeing initiatives, and clear communication helps maintain morale and retention during challenging periods. A committed and well-supported workforce is fundamental to sustaining highquality services, particularly when demand is high and resources are stretched.

Finally, maintaining a clear focus on mission and impact is crucial. Difficult times require difficult decisions, but a strong sense of purpose helps guide organisations through uncertainty and ensures that core values remain central to decision-making. By staying true to their mission while adapting to

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ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

changing circumstances, charities like Animals in Distress can continue to provide vital support to animals in need, even in the most testing of environments.

2.8 Investment Strategy Update – Building Long-Term Financial Resilience

In 2022, the Trustees and CEO identified that the Charity held a significant cash balance that was generating limited return, alongside an inherently unpredictable cashflow profile. Legacy income remains a vital but variable source of funding. It was therefore agreed to invest £400,000 with the aim of generating longer-term growth and strengthening the Charity’s financial resilience for the future.

Following advice from Francis Clark Financial Planning, and after careful consideration of our objectives, risk appetite, and ethical requirements, the Charity appointed RBC Brewin Dolphin to manage the portfolio on a discretionary basis. Although not the lowest-cost option, the decision reflected their experience with charity clients, their ability to provide tailored investment solutions, and the clarity of their ethical screening processes.

A key requirement of the mandate is strict ethical screening, ensuring that investments avoid involvement in companies, governments, or organisations associated with animal testing or cruelty to animals. While recognising that some limited exposure may exist in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, this is minimised on a best-efforts basis in line with the Charity’s values.

The agreed investment approach reflects a medium-to-higher risk profile (Intermediary Risk Level 6 – High Medium Risk), designed to preserve capital in real terms over time while generating sustainable income. The portfolio is diversified across asset classes including equities, bonds, and property, with exposure primarily in UK and developed markets.

The long-term objective remains for the investment to achieve returns broadly in line with CPI + 2%, recognising that investment markets are inherently uncertain and future returns may be lower than historic averages. Trustees continue to monitor risk carefully, acknowledging that capital values can fluctuate and are not guaranteed, particularly in the short term.

Since inception in April 2023, the portfolio has performed positively, delivering cumulative performance growth of 34.42% over the period. This compares favourably with the ARC Charity Steady Growth Index, cumulative total return estimate of 22%-26% over the same timeframe. Regular review meetings are held with RBC Brewin Dolphin to monitor performance, risk exposure, and ongoing alignment with the Charity’s objectives.

Overall, the investment strategy continues to play an important role in supporting the Charity’s longterm financial sustainability. The portfolio is intended to provide a stable foundation for the future, helping to safeguard resources and, where appropriate, contribute to strategic priorities such as capital investment in the Rescue Centre and other key projects.

2.9 Principal Risks and Mitigation Framework

The Trustees and CEO recognise that, through the nature of the Charity’s activities, funding model, reserves position, and operational structure, Animals in Distress (Torbay & Westcountry) is exposed to a range of risks with varying likelihood and potential impact. A structured approach to risk identification, assessment, and review is undertaken on a regular basis. The principal risks currently identified are:

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ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Each of these risks is subject to ongoing monitoring, with appropriate mitigation strategies and controls in place. The Trustees and CEO review the risk framework regularly to ensure that it remains robust and aligned with the Charity’s activities, enabling informed decision-making and supporting the longterm sustainability of the organisation.

3.0 FINANCIAL POSITION AND RESERVES

At 31 December 2025, the Charity held total reserves of £5,695,501, of which £5,691,857 were unrestricted.

In order to provide a clearer understanding of the nature and purpose of these funds, unrestricted reserves have been analysed between those represented by property-based assets (£2,073,000) and those more readily available for general use. This distinction provides a more transparent view of liquidity and enables a more informed assessment of the Charity’s financial strategy and future resource allocation.

Within the remaining unrestricted funds, a designated building fund of £1,178,000 has been set aside in recognition of the Charity’s medium- to long-term plans to invest in improvements at the Rescue Centre. This reflects the reality that significant capital projects require planned accumulation of resources over time, rather than being funded from year-to-year income.

The balance of £2,440,857 is held as general reserves. The Charity recognises the inherent uncertainty of key income streams, particularly legacies, and therefore aims to maintain a minimum level of £825,000, equivalent to approximately six months of average operating costs. Current reserves exceed this minimum to provide additional resilience, support future strategic priorities, and allow flexibility in responding to unforeseen circumstances.

Overall, the Charity’s reserves position remains strong and is considered appropriate for its operational needs, risk profile, and planned capital investment programme. The investment policy is aligned with the reserves strategy to ensure that funds are managed effectively in support of both stability and longterm development.

22

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY & WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

4.0 TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Charity Trustees (who are also the directors of Animals in Distress (Torbay and Westcountry) for the purposes of Company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the income and expenditure of the charitable company for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company’s website. Legislation in the U.K governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

4.1 Statement as to Disclosure to our Auditors

In so far as the Trustees are aware at the time of approving our Trustees’ annual report:

By order of the board of Trustees and signed on behalf of the Trustees:

G Dix (Chair) C Paradine

Date: ……………………….…2026

Report compiled for and on behalf of the Trustees by Neil Thomas (CEO)

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ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Animals in Distress (Torbay and Westcountry) (the “charitable company”) for the year ended 31 December 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the original financial statements were authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

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ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees’ Annual Report (incorporating the strategic report and the directors’ report).

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of the trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities (set out on page 24), the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

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ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

We considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements, including, but not limited to FRS 102 (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP), the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011. In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the group’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty.

We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls) and determined that the principal risks related to fraudulent financial reporting, in particular to grant funding received.

Audit procedures performed by the engagement team include, but were not limited to, discussions and inquiries with management of compliance with laws and regulations, reviewing grant funding agreements, and reviewing board minutes and significant legal costs incurred in the year. We also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including testing of journals and evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the Trustees that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed noncompliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

26

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable parent company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the group's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable parent company and its members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Martin Hobbs BSc ACA (Senior Statutory Auditor) PKF Francis Clark, Statutory Auditor Sigma House Oak View Close Edginswell Park Torquay TQ2 7FF

Date: …………………………

27

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activities
4
Other trading activities
5
Investments
6
Sale of Fixed Asset
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
Charitable activities
8
Total expenditure
Net gains on investments
17
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfers between funds
23
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
23		 Unrestricted
Funds
2025
£

957,056
86,252
919,648
86,578
5,306
2,054,840
922,733
862,070
1,784,803
41,221
311,258
458
311,716
5,380,141
5,691,857		 Restricted
Funds
2025
£
1,377
-
-
-
-
1,377
-
53
53
-
1,324
(458)
866
2,778
3,644		 Total
Funds
2025
£
958,433
86,252
919,648
86,578
5,306
2,056,217
922,733
862,123
1,784,856
41,221
312,582
-
312,582
5,382,919
5,695,501		 Total
Funds
2024
£
1,085,167
95,635
897,440
76,435
2,154,677
866,665
796,346
1,663,011
31,792
523,458
-
523,458
4,859,461
5,382,919

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure is derived from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 32 to 44 form part of these financial statements.

28

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activities
4
Other trading activities
5
Investments
6
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
Charitable activities
8
Total expenditure
Net gains on investments
17
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfers between funds
23
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
23		 Unrestricted
Funds
2024
£

1,083,705
95,635
897,440
76,435
2,153,215
866,665
786,541
1,653,206
31,792
531,801
(3,964)
527,837
4,852,304
5,380,141		 Restricted
Funds
2024
£
1,462
-
-
-
1,462
-
9,805
9,805
-
(8,343)
3,964
(4,379)
7,157
2,778		 Total
Funds
2024
£
1,085,167
95,635
897,440
76,435
2,154,677
866,665
796,346
1,663,011
31,792
523,458
-
523,458
4,859,461
5,382,919		 Total
Funds
2023
£
726,476
77,784
909,817
46,021
1,760,098
792,331
721,642
1,513,973
24,853
270,978
-
270,978
4,588,483
4,859,461

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure is derived from continuing activities.

29

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
15
Tangible assets
16
Investments
17
Current assets
Stocks
18
Debtors
19
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities
Creditors falling due within one year
20
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors falling due after more
than one year
21
Net assets
Restricted funds
23
General funds
23
Designated funds
23
Total charity funds		 2025
£
2024
£
-
-
2,711,785
2,498,871
507,737
464,156
3,219,522
2,963,027
8,800
7,740
449,419
212,285
2,190,900
2,354,084
2,649,119
2,574,109
97,656
82,772
2,551,463
2,491,337
5,770,985
5,454,364
75,484
71,445
5,695,501
5,382,919
3,644
2,778
2,441,218
2,129,502
3,250,639
3,250,639
5,695,501
5,382,919

The notes on pages 32 to 44 form part of these financial statements.

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on …………….2026 and signed on their behalf by:

G Dix Trustee

30

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Note
Cash flows from operating activities
25
Cash flows from investing activities
Rent received
Interest income
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Proceeds on sale of tangible fixed assets
Purchase of investments
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayments of bank borrowings
Repayment of leases
Cash flows from financing activities
(Decrease)/ increase in cash and cash equivalents in the
year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
26
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
26		 2025
£
2024
£
47,016
518,793
27,513
22,762
49,132
42,435
(270,299)
(22,482)
7,500
-
-
-
(186,154)
42,715
(21,135)
(20,170)
(2,911)
-
24,046
(20,170)
(163,184)
541,338
2,354,084
1,812,746
2,190,900
2,354,084

31

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

1 Accounting Policies

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements made and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

a) Basis of preparation of financial statements and assessment of going concern

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), FRS 102 and the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Animals in Distress (Torbay and Westcountry) meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

b) Income

All income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the items of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Voluntary income by way of donations, membership, sponsorship and collections, is accounted for when receivable. Income raised through the operation of the shops is taken into account at the time of receipt.

Legacies are included where there is entitlement, it is probable that the charity will receive the money and the amount can be reliably measured. Entitlement is satisfied after probate is granted. If the amount can be reliably measured, the legacy will be recognised as income.

Donated goods relating to animal food are brought in to income and expenditure at the value they would have cost had they been purchased by the charity.

c) Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes.

Restricted funds are funds received which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes.

32

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

d) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings:

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

e) Allocation of support costs

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back office costs, finance, personnel, payroll and governance costs which support the charity’s activities. These costs have been allocated between costs of raising funds, expenditure on charitable activities and other expenditure, based on staff time.

f) Operating leases

Rental charges under operating leases are charged on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.

g) Intangible fixed assets

Intangible fixed assets are initially recorded at cost. Computer software is amortised on a straight line basis over its expected useful economic life of 4 years.

h) Tangible fixed assets

Individual tangible fixed assets are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives as follows:

Freehold buildings 2% straight line Equipment 20% reducing balance IT equipment 25% straight line Motor vehicles 25% reducing balance

i)

Stocks

Stocks are included at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

j) Investments

Investments where they are publicly traded or their fair value can be measured reliably are measured at fair value through the statement of financial activities. The fair value has been measured at the quoted market price at the balance sheet date. Investments where the fair value cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment.

k) Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. Accrued income is recognised where the criteria for recognising income has been met at the year-end but the claim or invoice has not been submitted/issued until after the year-end.

33

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

m) Creditors

Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

n) Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

o) Pensions

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and membership is open to all employees of the charity. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity. The charity matches employee contributions of 1-4% with an employer contribution of 3% and the contributions are paid into the fund on a monthly basis. The contributions made for the accounting period are treated as an expense and were £26,953 (2024: £24,578). Contributions totalling £2,190 (2024: £2,198) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors.

2 Legal status of the Charity

The Charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member of the charity. The Charity is incorporated in England and Wales. The address of its registered office is: Biltor, Edgelands Lane, Ipplepen, Newton Abbot, TQ12 5UF.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Donations and gifts
Legacies
Grants
Memberships and sponsorship
Total income from donations and legacies		 2025
£
145,392
789,414
2,050
21,577
958,433		 2024
£
105,050
941,421
800
37,896
1,085,167

As noted in the trustees’ report the charity benefits notably from the involvement and enthusiastic contributions of volunteers. In accordance with FRS 102 and the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the economic contribution of general volunteers is not recognised in the accounts.

34

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

4 Income from charitable activities

5 Income from other trading activities
6 Investment income
7 Analysis of expenditure on raising funds
Re-homing fees
Animal Boarding
South Hams Strays and Vet income
Total income from charitable activities
Memberships and sponsorships
Fundraising events
Shop income
Petplan commission
Total income from other trading activities
Rent
Interest
Investment income
Total investment income
Fundraising
Shop costs
Support costs
Total expenditure on raising funds		 2025
£
67,240
14,538
4,474
86,252
2025
£
5,652
20,301
878,814
14,881
919,648
2025
£
27,513
49,132
9,933
86,578
2025
£
9,620
714,473
198,640
922,733		 2024
£
73,570
17,695
4,370
95,635
2024
£
5,675
32,302
845,127
14,336
897,440
2024
£
22,762
42,435
11,238
76,435
2024
£
13,728
646,514
206,423
866,665

35

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

8 Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Rescue Centre
Support costs
Total expenditure on charitable activities		 2025
£
749,436
112,687
862,123		 2024
£
709,880
86,466
796,346

9 Analysis of support costs

All support costs are allocated based on the basis of staff time.

The analysis of support costs is as follows:

Salaries and other staff costs
Travel and subsistence
Professional fees
Finance costs and exchange losses
Investment management
Office costs
Other costs
Governance
Total support costs		 Raising
Funds
£
Charitable
Activities
£
Total
2025
£
Total
2024
£
170,547
90,709
261,256
232,268
564
300
864
-
6,343
3,374
9,717
3,322
3,474
1,848
5,322
6,036
6,384
-
6,384
5,741
4,400
2,340
6,740
24,237
5,669
3,016
8,685
9,170
1,259
11,100
12,359
12,115
198,640
112,687
311,327
292,889

10 Analysis of governance costs

The analysis of governance costs is as follows:

Salaries and other staff costs
Professional fees
Other costs
Total		 Total
2025
£
Total
2024
£
1,124
1,110
11,142
10,816
93
189
12,359
12,115

36

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

11 Net income for the year

This is stated after charging:

2025 2024
£ £
Operating leases - property 74,250 74,250
Operating leases- equipment 15,350 14,120
Depreciation 88,145 77,148
Profit on disposal of fixed assets (5,306) -
Interest payable 3,713 4,678
Auditors’ remuneration: audit fees 5,850 5,450
accounts 4,125 3,925
taxation 1,125 1,125

12 Analysis of staff costs, trustee remuneration and expenses, the cost of key management personnel and related party transactions

Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Pension costs		 2025
£
1,087,731
101,746
26,953
1,216,430		 2024
£
1,019,163
69,736
24,578
1,113,477

One employee had remuneration in excess of £100,000 and less than £110,000 (2024: one in excess of £90,000 and less than £100,000).

The charity trustees were not paid and did not receive any other benefits from the charity (2024: None). No travel or other expenses were reimbursed to the trustees during the year (2024: None).

The total remuneration, including employer’s national insurance, of the key management personnel of the charity was £115,445 (2024: £106,197).

There were no related party transactions (2024: None).

37

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

13 Staff numbers

The average monthly head count was as follows:

Rescue Centre
Charity shops
Administration and support
Chief Executive		 2025
22
25
7
1
55		 2024
19
24
6
1
50

14 Corporation tax

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

15 Intangible fixed assets

Cost:
As at 1 January 2025
As at 31 December 2025
Amortisation:
As at 1 January 2025
Charge for the year
As at 31 December 2025
Net book value:
As at 1 January 2025
As at 31 December 2025		 Software
£
Total
£
13,100
13,100
13,100
13,100
13,100
13,100
-
-
13,100
13,100
-
-
-
-

38

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

16 Tangible fixed assets

Cost:
As at 1 January 2025
Additions
Disposals
As at 31 December 2025
Depreciation:
As at 1 January 2025
Charge for the year
Eliminated on disposals
As at 31 December 2025
Net book value:
As at 1 January 2025
As at 31 December 2025		 Freehold
Property
£
Equipment
£
IT
Equipment
£
Motor
Vehicles
£
3,193,022
156,871
101,528
21,920
257,242
2,760
700
42,551
-
-
-
(21,920)		 Total
£
3,473,341

303,253
(21,920)
3,450,264
159,631
102,228
42,551		 3,754,674
726,021
147,539
81,184
19,726
67,317
3,959
8,891
7,978
-
-
-
(19,726)		 974,470

88,145
(19,726)
793,338
151,498
90,075
7,978		 1,042,889
2,467,001
9,332
20,344
2,194		 2,498,871
2,656,926
8,133
12,153
34,573		 2,711,785

17 Investments

As at 1 January 2025
Revaluations
Income reinvested
Charges
As at 31 December 2025		 Total
£
464,156
41,221
8,744
(6,384)
507,737

Included in the balance at 31 December 2025 is £494,094 of listed securities (2024: £458,170) and £ 13,643 (2024: £5,986) of cash held as part of the investment portfolio.

39

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

18 Stocks

19 Debtors
Goods for resale
Vet room supplies
Shop stationery stocks
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2025
£
2024
£
2,372
793
5,710
5,710
718
1,237
8,800
7,740
2025
£
2024
£
3,438
6,315
49,634
51,216
396,347
154,754
449,419
212,285

20 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Social security and other taxes
Bank loan
Finance lease		 2025
£
2024
£
16,351
11,511
5,193
5,357
30,853
26,841
19,264
17,928
22,102
21,135
3,893
-
97,656
82,772

The bank loan is secured by a charge over one of the charity’s properties. The finance lease is secured over the assets to which it relates.

21 Creditors: amounts falling due after one year

Bank loan
Finance lease		 2025
£
2024
£
49,343
71,445
26,141
-
75,484
71,445

The bank loan is secured by a charge over one of the charity’s properties. The finance lease is secured over the assets to which it relates.

40

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

22 Obligations Under Leases

The total of future minimum lease payments is as follows:

Land and Buildings Other Other
2025 2024 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Operating leases expiring:
Within one year 31,500 31,500 11,129 11,129
Between one and five years 48,833 80,333 32,469 43,598
After more than five years - - - -
80,333 111,833 43.598 54,727
23 Analysis of movements in funds
Balance at Balance at
1 January Incoming Resources Gains on
31		 December
2025 resources expended Transfers investments 2025
£ £ £ £ £ £
General fund
2,129,502 2,054,840 (1,784,803) 458 41,221 2,441,218
Designated funds:
Property fund 2,072,889 - - - - 2,072,889
Building fund 1,177,750 - - - - 1,177,750
3,250,639 2,054,840 (1,784,803) 458 41,221 3,250,639
Total unrestricted
funds		 5,380,141 2,054,840 (1,784,803) 458 41,221 5,691,857
Restricted funds 2,778 1,377 (53) (458) - 3,644
Total restricted
funds		 2,778 1,377 (53) (458) - 3,644

The restricted funds shown above represent funds raised from appeals for specific projects.

41

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

General fund
Designated funds:
Property fund
Building fund
Total unrestricted
funds
Restricted funds
Total restricted
funds		 Balance at
1 January
2024
£
Incoming
resources
£
Resources
expended
£
Transfers
£
Gains on
investments
£
Balance at
31 December
2024
£
1,600,682
2,153,215
(1,652,223)
(3,964)
31,792
2,129,502
2,073,872
-
(983)
-
-
2,072,889
1,177,750
-
-
-
-
1,177,750
3,251,622
-
(983)
-
-
3,250,639
4,852,304
2,153,215
(1,653,206)
(3,964)
31,792
5,380,141
7,157
1,462
(9,805)
3,964
-
2,778
7,157
1,462
(9,805)
3,964
-
2,778

The restricted funds for the year to 31 December 2024 represent funds raised from appeals for specific projects.

In the year to 31 December 2024 the decision was made to pursue a kennel refurbishment rather than the new kennels on which the Big Bark Appeal was based.

For this reason cash balances were transferred to a new fund, with a minority of donations returned, and capitalised assets were expensed as a disposal.

42

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

24 Analysis of net assets between funds

At 31 December 2025

Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand
Other net current assets
Creditors more than one year
Total
At 31 December 2024

Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand
Other net current assets
Creditors more than one year
Total		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total
Funds
£
2,711,677
108
2,711,785
507,737
-
507,737
2,187,364
3,536
2,190,900
360,563
-
360,563
(75,484)
-
(75,484)
5,691,857
3,644
5,695,501
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total
Funds
£
2,498,710
161
2,498,871
464,156
-
464,156
2,351,467
2,617
2,354,084
137,253
-
137,253
(71,445)
-
(71,445)
5,380,141
2,778
5,382,919

25 Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

Net income/(expenditure) for the reporting period
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Amortisation charges
Investment management fees
Returns on investment and servicing of finance
Profit on disposal of fixed assets
Revaluation of investments
Rent receivable
Interest income
(Increase) in stocks
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
Increase in creditors
Net cash from operating activities		 2025
£
2024
£
312,582
523,458
88,145
77,148
-
-
6,384
5,741
(8,744)
(10,497)
(5,306)
-
(41,221)
(31,792)
(27,513)
(22,762)
(49,132)
(42,435)
(1,060)
(417)
(237,134)
15,877
10,015
4,472
47,016
518,793

43

ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

26 Analysis of Changes in Net Funds

Cash at bank and in hand
Loans due within one year
Loans due after more than one year
Total		 1 Jan
2025
£
2,354,084
2,354,084
(21,135)
(71,445)
(92,580)
2,261,504		 Cash
flows
£
(163,184)
(163,184)
(4,860)
(4,039)
(8,899)
(172,083)		 31 Dec
2025
£
2,190,900
2,190,900
(25,995)
(75,484)
(101,479)
2,089,421

44