REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1155926
Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 29 September 2021 for Animal Welfare Law Matters
Wright Vigar Limited Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers 15 Newland Lincoln Lincolnshire LN1 1XG
Animal Welfare Law Matters
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 29 September 2021
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 | to | 3 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 4 | ||
| Balance Sheet | 5 | ||
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 6 | to | 8 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 9 |
Animal Welfare Law Matters
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 29 September 2021
The Trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 29 September 2021. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
.The objectives of the charity as set out within its governing document are:
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To promote humane behaviour towards animals and the prevention of cruelty and suffering among animals;
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To advance the education of the public on all matters relating to the development, teaching, application and practice of the law relating to animals;
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- To relieve the suffering and distress of animals by providing information that assists members of the public to secure access to legal and professional advice and representation in cases concerned with animals.
From a legal perspective, these objectives are efficiently and effectively seeing sentience and its definition put in to primary legislation.
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There are many thousands of charities involved in animal welfare seeking to implement change in almost every use of, and interaction with, animals.
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However, the impact of AWLM's focus on sentience is illustrated in recognition that legislative recognition and definition of sentience extends the sole focus of law on preventing pain or distress of animals that is deemed unreasonable or unnecessary, to inclusion/creation of legal responsibilities to provide opportunities with comfort, interest, and pleasure.
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That shift literally shifts/elevates the current standard of care that apply to every use of, and interaction with, animals e.g. agriculture, research, entertainment, and trade.
Significant activities
The three key activities of AWLM include:
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Lobbying
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Education
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Creation of provision of a body of evidence regarding the legislative definition of sentience, that meets and exceeds courtroom standards regarding evidence and standards that apply to informs and persuades the six target markets i.e. politicians and policy advisors, judges and lawyers, animal related professionals (e.g. veterinarians, scientists), journalists and media personnel, and the public.
Public benefit
In setting our objectives and planning our activities our Trustees have given careful consideration on the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.
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Animal Welfare Law Matters
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 29 September 2021
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities
Key activities of 2021
Since its inception, the charity has been active in engaging with stakeholders and contributing by way of publications, presentations and wide engagement with animal welfare law interest groups. Over the last 3-5 years, in particular, the charity has been focusing on clarifying its messaging regarding the singular legal reform that has maximum effect in terms of elevating standards of animal welfare.
The charity's specified vision and mission (www.sentientanimallaw.org) revolve around a reform that adds "positive animal welfare law" to law's current anti cruelty law. The legal pathway to the development of positive animal welfare law has been identified as the legislative definition of animal sentience that, consistent with the contemporary scientific authority of the Five Domains, recognises, and applies a legal responsibility for ('duty of care') not just an animal's negative states (pain, distress, suffering) but its positive states as well (comfort, interest, pleasure).
With a view to clarifying and communicating the messaging associated with that vision and mission, the charity has invested considerable time, money and effort interviewing and testing the services of selected marketing firms and internet providers. Despite challenges, the ongoing efforts of the charity has resulted in considerable progress in terms of developing and collecting usable communication methodologies and clarifying what the charity needs to communicate. These have included, for example, refinement of the applicable terminology, phrases, and diagrams in order to convey the reasons why a legal reform is necessary, what the legal reform should be, the practical "how-to" aspects of implementation, and the beneficial impacts of the law reform on all stakeholders, including the daily life experience of animals. The substantive and refined messaging has been collated and in 2021 the charity launched the website containing those collated communication materials. The website has received significant positive feedback and assisted with engagement of wider animal-related organisations including the European Union, Eurogroup and the United Nations.
The website has also been a referenced outward facing resource for submissions responding to public consultations relevant to animal law reforms in Australia, and to political initiatives regarding the sentient animal in England following Brexit.
Planned activities for 2022 include (a) a formal launch to the wider global government and NGO animal community at a collaborative conference, (b) publication (Routledge Publishers) of the 2nd edition of "Animals, Welfare and the Law" to coincide with the 200th anniversary of animal protection law [1822- 2022], (c) collaboration with NGOs who have parallel objectives associated with positive animal welfare and the sentient animal.
As part of the revised and developed charity brand strategy, the charity will be renamed from "Animal Welfare Law Matters" to "the Sentient Animal Law Foundation". Reasons for the name change include, in particular, the focus of the charity on animal "sentience", the focus of the charity on a law reform targeting the legislative definition of "sentience", and the desirability to communicate the elements of what the charity/foundation does in the name.
In summary, the considerable work explored avenues, and learnings of the last 3-5 years are now consolidated and scheduled to have a tangible outward-facing presence in 2022 with a view to a formal promotion of the charity to global stakeholders on or around a date that coincides with the 200th anniversary of animal protection law.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
At the year end, the charity had unrestricted funds of £108,094 (2020: £122,581).
Reserves policy
In order to ensure the long term future of the charity whilst also being able to carry out its charitable objectives, the Trustees aim to maintain a level of reserves to cover 24 months running costs in addition to planned charitable activity expenditure in the next 12 months.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The legal form of the charity is that of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) which is subject to its governing document, its constitution, which took effect from the date of its registration 25th February 2014.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
Trustees are appointed based on their experience and expertise. The board regularly review their position and approach appropriate candidates as necessary. All new Trustees receive inductions on the procedures of the charity and are directed to the Charity Commission guidance on their responsibilities.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
1155926
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Animal Welfare Law Matters
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 29 September 2021
Principal address 15 Newland Lincoln LN1 1XG
Trustees
Dr I A Robertson BVSC, LLB Ms J D Pittuck (resigned 30.7.21) J E O'Hern FCA
2 6/01/20226/01/2022 Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:
I.A.Robertson
........................................................................ I.A.Robertson (Jan 26, 2022 11:05 GMT+13) Dr I A Robertson BVSC, LLB - Trustee
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Animal Welfare Law Matters
Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 29 September 2021
| 2021 Unrestricted fund Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 510 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities 2 Education and training 14,997 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (14,487) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 122,581 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 108,094 |
2020 Total funds £ 121 11,937 (11,816) 134,397 122,581 |
|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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Animal Welfare Law Matters
Balance Sheet
29 September 2021
| 2021 Unrestricted fund Notes £ FIXED ASSETS Intangible assets 4 1 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank 113,571 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 5 (5,478) NET CURRENT ASSETS 108,093 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 108,094 NET ASSETS 108,094 FUNDS 6 Unrestricted funds 108,094 TOTAL FUNDS 108,094 |
2020 Total funds £ 1 127,165 (4,585) 122,580 122,581 122,581 122,581 122,581 |
|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by: 26/01/2022
I.A.Robertson
I.A.Robertson (Jan 26, 2022 11:05 GMT+13)
~~.............................~~ ................
I A Robertson BVSC, LLB - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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Animal Welfare Law Matters
Notes to the Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 29 September 2021
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The entity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered with the Charities Commission of England and Wales.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when it can be accurately valued, the right to the income has been transferred and it is probable that the income will be received.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Patents and licences
Patents and licences acquired are initially recognised at cost and are subsequently carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
2. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
| CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS | |
|---|---|
| Support | |
| costs | |
| £ | |
| Education and training | 14,997 |
3. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 29 September 2021 nor for the year ended 29 September 2020.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 29 September 2021 nor for the year ended 29 September 2020.
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Animal Welfare Law Matters
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 29 September 2021
4. INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| COST At 30 September 2020 and 29 September 2021 NET BOOK VALUE At 29 September 2021 At 29 September 2020 5. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade creditors Other creditors 6. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS Comparatives for movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS |
At 30.9.20 £ 122,581 122,581 Incoming resources £ 510 510 At 30.9.19 £ 134,397 134,397 |
Patents and licences £ 1 1 1 2021 2020 £ £ 265 - 5,213 4,585 5,478 4,585 Net movement At in funds 29.9.21 £ £ (14,487) 108,094 (14,487) 108,094 Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (14,997) (14,487) (14,997) (14,487) Net movement At in funds 29.9.20 £ £ (11,816) 122,581 (11,816) 122,581 |
|---|---|---|
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Animal Welfare Law Matters
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 29 September 2021
6. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | in funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 121 | (11,937) | (11,816) |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 121 | (11,937) | (11,816) |
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS |
At 30.9.19 £ 134,397 134,397 |
Net movement in funds £ (26,303) (26,303) |
At 29.9.21 £ 108,094 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 108,094 |
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | in funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 631 | (26,934) | (26,303) |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 631 | (26,934) | (26,303) |
7. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
ALPD Ltd, a company in which I Robertson is a director, paid for expenses in the prior year totalling £2,713 on behalf of the trustees in relation to the delivery of the charitable objectives. At the year end there was a balance of £2,713 (2020: £2,713) owed by the Charity. This was repaid post year end.
Wright Vigar Ltd, in which one of the trustees is a Director, supplied administrative and accounting services to the charity in the sum of £5,788 (2020 : £6,620).
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Animal Welfare Law Matters
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | ||
|---|---|---|
| for the Year Ended 29 September 2021 | ||
| 2021 | 2020 | |
| £ | £ | |
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS | ||
| Donations and legacies | ||
| Royalties | 510 | 121 |
| Total incoming resources | 510 | 121 |
| EXPENDITURE | ||
| Support costs | ||
| Management | ||
| Website and brand development costs | 8,962 | 5,229 |
| Finance | ||
| Bank charges | 247 | 88 |
| Professional/Accountancy fees | 5,788 | 6,620 |
| 6,035 | 6,708 | |
| Total resources expended | 14,997 | 11,937 |
| Net expenditure | (14,487) | (11,816) |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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