2024-03-31-accounts - Friends Of Akitas Trust (UK)

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THE FRIENDS OF AKITAS TRUST (UK)

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER – 1128641

THE FRIENDS OF AKITAS TRUST (UK)

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

CONTENTS	PAGE
Trustees' Report	1 - 3
Independent Examiner’s Report	4
Receipts and Payments Accounts	5
Statement of Assets and Liabilities	6

THE FRIENDS OF ATKITAS TRUST (UK)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The trustees’ present their report, together with the financial statements for the period ended 31 March 2024.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

To relieve the suffering of Akitas, particularly, though not exclusively those which are in need by reason of homelessness, sickness, ill treatment or is unwanted for whatever reason, with due regard to the age, sex or health of the Akita, and do all that is possible to ensure the welfare of such Akitas.

To ensure that those Akitas that are re-homed are placed into suitable permanent homes so as to ensure their future wellbeing and to use its best efforts to keep in contact with such Akitas for the duration of their lives.

To support and educate new and existing Akita owners, and the wider public, in matters relating to the health, welfare and treatment of Akitas.

To maintain a continuous campaign through a variety of methods to educate members of the public about the Akita breed.

The Akita is a beautiful and striking breed, and people often seem surprised to hear that such a magnificent dog ends up in rescue, but it’s true. In the Stray Dogs Survey Report 2022-2023 it is estimated that 35,184 dogs across all breeds were handled by local authorities with an estimate of 660 of these dogs being put to sleep. These figures are estimated based on the response rate from Local Authorities that responded to the survey (79%). The percentage of these that are Akitas has not been established.

We have up to 10 Akitas in private kennels funded by ourselves as well as others in foster care where the facility is available. Other Akitas may need a new home for other reasons such as family breakdown, owner illness or simply a change of circumstances and we endeavor to help as many of these dogs and owners as possible by either taking the dogs into our care or finding them a suitable new home. The Friends of Akitas Trust will do everything in its power to match the right home and family with the right Akita. Potential adopters are required to fill in an initial questionnaire to establish their situation and what they can offer to an Akita in need. A volunteer representative will then carry out a home check, using the initial questionnaire as a guide to verify information. Akitas coming under FOA care will be assessed to the best of our ability, as much information about each individual dog will be ascertained prior to any placement. Once an Akita has been placed in a home, permanent or otherwise, the FOA will maintain contact and be on hand to help with problems and support through advice and guidance. We offer full rescue back up should the home not work out for any reason.

Akitas are not the easiest breed to look after, they are not for everyone and we endeavor to educate as many people as possible about the breed. We have a high-profile presence on social media and we have a nationwide events program where we have a stall and do our best to educate existing and potential owners. We feel it is our obligation to inform the wider public about the Akita breed and make individuals aware of the responsibilities they will take on if they choose to own an Akita. FOA also utilise a variety of mediums to maintain a successful fundraising and awareness campaign.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Between 1st April 2023 and 31st March 2024 we are pleased to report that we have rehomed twenty one Akitas into happy and loving homes.

We do not have any age restriction on the dogs we take into our care nor do we turn away dogs based on health issues.

THE FRIENDS OF ATKITAS TRUST (UK)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Through our increased presence on social media and continued attendance at both large and small events we have raised not only the profile of the charity but the Akita breed also. This presence has led to an increase in fundraising which in turn allows us to fund additional kenneling space to save the lives of Akitas in need. We have been privileged to have run for most of this financial year with 10 private boarding spaces.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The charities income comes solely from public donations and fundraising. We hold online regular auctions, raffles and other fundraising activities from items donated by companies and our supporters. We also attend various events throughout the year to educate the public on the breed and raise funds with tombola, raffle tickets and various other fundraising methods.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Type of Governing Document

Trust deed.

Trustee Selection Methods

Appointed by existing trustees.

Organisational Structure

The trust currently has three trustees.

In addition, the trustees are supported by a group of ten volunteers who form the management team and work in line with the policies and procedures put in place at inception.

The wider voluntary base is formed of representatives who assist with the everyday home checks, assessments, transport and fundraising for the charity.

THE FRIENDS OF AKITAS TRUST (UK)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS

Charity Number

1128641

Charity’s Principal Address

135 Langwith Road Chesterfield Derbyshire S44 6LX

Trustees

Julie Marsden Gemma Newsome Shirley Snape

Bankers

CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ

Accountants

Fortus North Limited 5&6 Manor Court Manor Garth Scarborough YO11 3TU

DECLARATION

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees.

Julie Marsden Trustee

08 October 2024

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE FRIENDS OF AKITAS TRUST (UK)

I refer to the accounts of the Trust for the period ended 31 March 2024 which are set out on pages 4 to 5.

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

1 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act

have not been met; or

2 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Mr P B Dixon FCA

for and on behalf of Fortus Limited 5&6 Manor Court Manor Garth Scarborough YO11 3TU

08 October 2024

THE FRIENDS OF AKITAS TRUST (UK)

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Income Fundraising and Donations Kennel Sponsorship Merchandise Pets at Home Grant Bank interest received Other Income Veterinary Fees Merchandise & fundraising costs Other expenses Bank Charges Kennelling and care costs Postage, stationery & software costs Accountancy Insurance Net Surplus/(Deficit)	01/04/2023 - 31/03/2024 64,184 - 1,083 2,252 46 14 67,533 8,767 2,318 480 60 49,775 1,139 198 848 63,585	01/04/2022 - 31/03/2023 14,418 5,159 4,138 - 16 25
		23,756 3,127 284 5 52 27,362 612 186 785
		32,413
	3,948	(8,657)

THE FRIENDS OF AKITAS TRUST (UK)

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 31 MARCH 2024

Bank Balance Accumulated Fund b/fwd Surplus/(Deficit)	2024 29,337 29,337 25,389 3,948 29,337	2023 25,389
		25,389
		34,046 (8,657)
		25,389