Registered Charity Number 1129794
Dogs’ Friends
Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements for the year ended
31 May 2024
Dogs’ Friends Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 May 2024
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Information | 1 |
| Annual Report of the Trustees | 2-5 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 6-7 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 8 |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 9 |
| Notes to Financial Statements | 10-12 |
| Detailed Income and Expenditure Accounts | 13-14 |
Dogs’ Friends Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 May 2024
Registered Charity Number
1129794
Charity Address Shamrock Stables Lynch Lane Westbury-sub-Mendip Somerset BA5 1HW
Constitution
Dogs Friends was constituted by Trust Deed dated 5 April 2009 and registered with the Charity Commission on 21 May 2009. The Charity commenced activities on 1 June 2009.
Trustees
The trustees who served during the year, and since the year-end are as follows:
Rosemary Peacock – Chair John Thurmand – Secretary
Accountants
Ingle and Company 339 Two Mile Hill Road Kingswood Bristol BS30 5JA
Bankers
Lloyds TSB Bank plc Bath Street Cheddar Somerset BS27 3AB
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Dogs’ Friends Registered Number: 1129794 Annual Report of the Trustees
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2024. The charity commenced activities on 1 June 2009.
The reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report.
Objects and Aims
The objects of the charity are;
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a) For the benefit of the public to relieve the suffering of animals in need of care and attention, and in particular, to provide and maintain rescue homes or other facilities for the reception, care and treatment of such animals;
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b) To promote humane behaviour towards animals by providing appropriate care, protection, treatment and security for animals which are in need of care and attention by reason of sickness, maltreatment, poor circumstances or ill usage and to educate the public in matters pertaining to animals’ welfare in general, and the prevention of cruelty and suffering among animals.
Organisational Structure
Trustees are selected for appointment having regard to the skills, knowledge and experience which they can bring to assist the effective running of the charity, and their demonstrated commitment to the aims and objectives of the charity.
Public Benefit
The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities.
Review of Activities
A detailed review of the activities for the year is given on the following pages.
Reserves Policy
The Trustees are endeavouring to build up a suitable reserve fund over the next 5 years, in order to provide a buffer to cover unexpected expenditure.
This report was approved by the Trustees on and signed by its order.
Rosemary Peacock
John Thurmand Secretary
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Annual Report of the Trustees
Dogs’ Friends Registered Number: 1129794
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2024.
The objects of the charity are;
a) For the benefit of the public to relieve the suffering of animals in need of care and attention, and in particular, to provide and maintain rescue homes or other facilities for the reception, care and treatment of such animals;
b) To promote humane behaviour towards animals by providing appropriate care, protection, treatment and security for animals which are in need of care and attention by reason of sickness, maltreatment, poor circumstances or ill usage and to educate the public in matters pertaining to animals’ welfare in general, and the prevention of cruelty and suffering among animals.
Review of Charity Activities
Dogs Friends is a small, independent charity based in Somerset whilst operating within Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire and the surrounding areas. The charity is led by Charity Chairwoman and Rescue Manager, Rosemary Peacock and is supported by a great number of volunteers operating in varying capacities.
This was a challenging, yet rewarding year for the charity. There were a total of 342 intakes (arrivals of dogs) at the rescue, a slight reduction on the previous year. The majority of the dogs fell into one of three categories - ex-breeding dogs handed in when they were no longer required, strays and abandonment cases who had served their time in the pound, and pets that were not able to stay with their previous families. The charity also provided support to a small number of dogs who needed temporary care whilst their owners experienced challenging personal difficulties, such as serious illness and unsettled housing situations. A small number of dogs were born in rescue when their mothers arrived heavily pregnant.
Recruiting New Foster Carers
We continued to recruit new foster carers to provide temporary placements for dogs in need, reducing the number of home environment-ready dogs being placed in kennels. Mindful of the need to provide consistent support to these volunteers, we built up a support structure to facilitate these placements and received excellent feedback from those families who had joined the team.
Notable Cases
Whilst the Charity invests a huge amount of time and cost in the rescue of all the dogs it welcomes, some cases are particularly memorable - sadly because they are so heartbreaking. Below is just one example:
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In June 2023 the charity was rocked by a particularly devastating case that had a profound effect on all involved. The charity was alerted to a highly sensitive case requiring the emergency intake
of 14 dogs, including 4 young puppies and 3 heavily pregnant small-breed dogs. When the dogs arrived, we were shocked by their conditions which included severe matting, extreme dental issues and a multitude of health problems. The dogs were all totally petrified of human contact and had had little to no exposure to the outside world.
A great number of volunteers (including foster families) rallied to provide excellent care to all dogs and we were overjoyed to see them all flourish with a huge amount of patience, vet care and love. The three pregnant dogs gave birth to 17 puppies between them, with only one puppy sadly being born poorly (he was posthumously named Gabriel, and was much loved in his short time with us).
All 14 dogs and the surviving puppies went on to excellent, loving homes where they could be supported to overcome their poor start in life.
Acknowledgements and Thank You’s
The Charity continues to be incredibly grateful to its supporters. There are a great number of volunteers who support the running of the charity, including but not limited to, fundraisers, foster carers and home checkers. There are many other individuals and groups who provide wonderful support through fundraising and awareness events, something that is of great benefit to Dogs Friends.
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Dogs Friends is also very grateful to the foster families who offer a safe place for dogs to stay until they are adopted - this is a great help to the charity and ensures that the dogs have a greater level of comfort whilst waiting to be chosen by adoptive families. There are also many adopters to thank; those who chose to welcome a dog in desperate need to their families. If it wasn’t for these kind-hearted people, Dogs Friends would not be able to continue its work.
There are also many local businesses, including independent pet shops, who provide great support by acting as donation points, raising awareness of the charity, supporting events and making donations of supplies.
Special mention
This year The Charity suffered a great loss with the sad passing of our Co-founder and Trustee Linda Dunn. Lyn worked tirelessly for many years inspired by her passion for helping dogs in need. Although Lyn had taken a step back from the day to day running of the charity
she remained an integral part of the organisation, retaining her position on the Board of Trustees. Lyn is very sadly missed and her memory will remain forever at the heart of our work.
Future Plans and summary
The rise in the number of dogs needing rescue spaces, as well as the lingering impact of Covid19 meant this was another incredibly challenging year for Dogs Friends. The lows of constant heartbreak and frustration are however balanced by the spirit of compassion and determination that has kept the charity going over the years.
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Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of
Dogs’ Friends
For the year ended 31 May 2024
I report on the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 May 2024 which are set out on pages 8 to 14.
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The Charity’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The Charity’s Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this period under Section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the 1993 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to;
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Examine the financial statements under Section 43 of the 1993 Act;
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To follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commissioner under Section 43(7)(b) of the 1993 Act, and;
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To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the 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 financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and the seeking of 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 financial statements present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
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Independent Examiner’s Statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention;
Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements;
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a) To keep accounting records in accordance with Section 41 of the 1993 Act; and
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b) To prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 1993 Act have not been met, or;
To which, my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Ingle & Company Limited Accountants and Taxation Advisors 339 Two Mile Hill Road Kingswood BRISTOL BS15 1AN
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Dogs’ Friends Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 May 2024
| Notes | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Incoming Resources | |||
| Incoming resources from charitable activities | 102,115 | 95,575 | |
| Incoming resources from fundraising activities | 376,714 | 174,098 | |
| Income in kind from trustees | 272,786 | 343,597 | |
| Grants | 0 | 0 | |
| Commission received | 8,055 | 7,764 | |
| _ | __ | ||
| Total Incoming Resources | 759,667 | 621,034 | |
| Resources Expended | |||
| Costs of charitable activities | 3 | (595,430) | (543,595) |
| _ | __ | ||
| Net Incoming Resources | 164,237 | 77,439 | |
| Reconciliation of Funds | |||
| General Fund brought forward | 167,711 | 90,273 | |
| _ | __ | ||
| General Funds carried forward | 331,948 | 167,711 | |
| ======= | ======= |
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Dogs’ Friends Statement of Assets and Liabilities For the year ended 31 May 2024
| Notes | 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |||
| Fixed Assets | ||||
| Tangible Assets | 4 | 237,335 | 172,228 | |
| Current Assets | ||||
| Stocks | 14,500 | 14,000 | ||
| Bank Current Account | 81,714 | |||
| _ | _ | |||
| 96,214 | 14,000 | |||
| Creditors: amounts falling due | ||||
| Within one year | 5 | 1,601 | 18,517 | |
| _ | ||||
| Net Current Liabilities | 94,613 | ( 4,517) | ||
| Total Assets less current | ||||
| Liabilities | 331,948 | 167,711 | ||
| _ | _ | |||
| Net Assets | 331,948 | 167,711 | ||
| ====== | ====== | |||
| Fund Held | ||||
| General Fund | 6 | 331,948 | 167,711 | |
| _ | _ | |||
| 331,948 | 167,711 | |||
| ====== | ====== |
The financial statements were approved by the board on and signed on their behalf by;
Rosemary Peacock – Chair
John Thurmand – Secretary
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Dogs’ Friends Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 May 2024
1. Accounting Policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on an accrual’s basis, in accordance with the Charities Act 1993.
Depreciation
Depreciation has been provided at the following rates in order to write off the assets over their estimated useful lives.
Kennelling and Office Building 5% straight line
Stocks of donated items
The stock of donated items is donated by sponsors and represents that which has not been distributed or used by the charity at the year-end. The value has been estimated by the Trustees.
2. Grants Received over £1,000
We are very grateful to these people and organisations for supporting our work.
| 3. Operating Profit | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| This is stated after charging: | ||
| Depreciation of owned fixed assets | 14,323 | 10,036 |
| ______ | _____ |
4. Tangible Fixed Assets
| Kennells | ||
|---|---|---|
| And office Buidlings | Total | |
| £ | £ | |
| Cost | ||
| At 1 June 2023 | 207,032 | 207,032 |
| Additions | 79,430 | 79,430 |
| _ | _ | |
| At 31 May 2024 | 286,462 | 286,462 |
| ====== | ====== |
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| Depreciation At 1 June 2023 34,804 Charge for the year 14,323 At 31 May 2024 49,127 ===== Net Book Value At 31 May 2024 237,335 __ At 31 May 2023 172,228 ____ 5. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Credit Card Other Creditors Bank 6. General Fund At 1 June 2023 Net incoming resources for the year At 31 May 2024 |
2024 £ 1,111 490 - 1,601 ===== 2024 £ 167,711 164,237 _ 331,948 ====== |
34,804 14,323 49,127 ====== 237,335 _ 172,228 _ 2023 £ 10,626 2,818 5,073 18,517 ===== 2023 £ 90,273 77,439 _ 167,711 ====== |
|---|---|---|
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Dogs’ Friends Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 May 2024
7. Trustees’ Remuneration
No Trustees received any remuneration for their work as Trustees.
The Trustees have calculated that the value of the time that the Trustees freely give to the Charity amounts to approximately £90,000 per year.
R Peacock, a Trustee, provides kennelling for the dogs at her own premises in order to reduce the cost to the Charity of using commercial boarding kennels, which can exceed £4,000 per month. In 2013, the Trustees agreed that a fair rent to pay to Rosemary Peacock for this facility would be £2,000 per month, although no payments have actually been made to her. Following advice from the Charity Commission, this has not been included as a cost in the Accounts.
Trustees are reimbursed for expenses they incur on behalf of the Charity.
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Dogs’ Friends Detailed Income and Expenditure Account For the year ended 31 May 2024
| Dogs’ Friends Detailed Income and Expenditure Account For the year ended 31 May 2024 |
||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Incoming Resources from Charitable Activities | ||
| Dog Adoption Income | 102,115 | 95,575 |
| _ | ______ | |
| 102,115 | 95,575 | |
| ====== | ===== | |
| Incoming Resources from Fundraising Activities | ||
| General Donations and Appeals | 376,714 | 174,098 |
| Other Fundraising Activities | 0 | 0 |
| Donations in kind from Trustees | 272,783 | 343,597 |
| Donations from Trusts | 0 | 0 |
| Grants received | ||
| Commissions Receivable | 8,055 | 7,767 |
| ====== | ====== | |
| 657,552 | 524,462 | |
| Cost of Charitable Activities | ||
| Employee Costs: | ||
| Kennel Staff | 120,922 | 110,710 |
| _ | ______ | |
| 120,922 | 110,710 | |
| ______ | ______ | |
| Animal Welfare Costs: | ||
| Vaccinations | 29,243 | 19,711 |
| Neutering Costs | 54,084 | 32,720 |
| Microchipping | 2,780 | 2,497 |
| Veterinary Referrals Costs/Vets Fees | 207,690 | 184,686 |
| Animal feed, Dog Tags, Dog beds and grooming | 65,419 |
43,653 |
| Transporting Dog | 13,956 | 13,514 |
| Support Provided to Fosters (Dog Food,Medical treatment) | 39,433 | 69,595 |
| Physiotherapy for dogs | 8,057 | 3,829 |
| Dog Training | 0 | 265 |
| Large Animal Costs | 3,902 | 7,172 |
| Kennelling Costs | 0 | 4,043 |
| _ |
__ | |
| 424,564 |
381,685 | |
| ====== |
======= |
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| Premises Costs: Rates Light and Heat Cleaning and Premises Costs Repairs Rent and Storage Administration Costs: Printing & Stationery Telephone Bank Charges, Online Bank Charges and Interest Insurance Depreciation Miscellaneous Donations Legal and Professional Costs: Legal and Planning Fees Website and advertising costs |
1,005 833 2,975 2,981 4,172 3,824 8,520 16,466 927 1,350 17,599 25,454 ===== ===== 788 444 2,272 1,519 2,300 3,165 4,046 4,105 14,323 10,036 2,918 1,723 1,000 20 _ _ 27,647 21,012 ====== ====== 4,179 4,251 519 483 __ _ 4,698 4,734 _ ____ 595,430 543,595 ====== ======= |
|---|---|
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