Charity No. 1167093
## **RABBIT WELFARE FUND**
**TRUSTEES' REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **RABBIT WELFARE FUND TRUSTEES' REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTENTS**
||**Page(s)**|
|---|---|
|Charity Information|1|
|Trustees' Annual Report|2 - 5|
|Independent Examiners' Report|6|
|Statement Of Financial Activities|7|
|Summary Income And Expenditure Account|8|
|Balance Sheet|9|
|Notes To The Financial Statements|10 - 16|
|The following pages do not form part of the statutory accounts:||
|Detailed Statement Of Financial Activities|17 - 18|
**RABBIT WELFARE FUND CHARITY INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **Charity No. 1167093**
## **Registered Office**
61 Bridge Street Kington HR5 3DJ
## **Trustees**
Rachel Walters Emma Boyd Roslyn Lamb Alan Wilson
## **Accountants**
Noakes Accounting Limited 66 South Street Taunton TA1 3AF
## **Independent Examiners**
Albert Goodman LLP Goodwood House Blackbrook Park Avenue Taunton TA1 2PX
1
## **RABBIT WELFARE FUND TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **Introduction**
The Trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023.
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 2019), as detailed in the accounting policies.
## **Administration**
Rabbit Welfare Fund Registered Charity No. 1167093
## **Trustees**
The following Trustees served during the year:
Rachel Walters Emma Boyd Roslyn Lamb Alan Wilson
## **Registered Office**
61 Bridge Street Kington HR5 3DJ
## **Accountants**
Noakes Accounting Limited 66 South Street Taunton TA1 3AF
## **Independent Examiners**
Albert Goodman LLP Goodwood House Blackbrook Park Avenue Taunton TA1 2PX
**H&S Adviser** Mark Dron
## **Specialist Vet Adviser**
Dr Richard Saunders
## **Structure, governance and management**
Rabbit Welfare Fund (the "Charity") was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) on 16 May 2016, charity number 1167093.
All of the trustees currently in place are the first charity trustees, and hence have been in place since the Charity was registered. As stated in the governing document, these trustees will remain in place until they resign or are removed. Any additional trustees, of which there are currently none, shall have terms of three years.
The trustees are responsible for proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity, and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Rabbit Welfare Fund was formed when the sister membership organisation Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund, a limited by guarantee company (Company No. 10044925), was receiving donations to put towards improving rabbit welfare. The two organisations still share common goals and Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund ("RWAF") still raise donations on behalf of Rabbit Welfare Fund.
2
## **RABBIT WELFARE FUND TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **Aims and objectives**
These remain unchanged as:
TO ADVANCE THE EDUCATION OF THE PUBLIC IN THE CARE AND OWNERSHIP OF DOMESTIC RABBITS KEPT AS PETS IN BRITAIN AND TO FURTHER ADVANCE THE KNOWLEDGE OF RABBIT MEDICINE AMONGST THE UK VETERINARY PROFESSION.
TO CONDUCT OR PROMOTE THE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH AND PUBLISH THE USEFUL RESULTS OF SUCH RESEARCH INTO SPECIFIC HEALTH PROJECTS IN ORDER TO INCREASE UNDERSTANDING OF COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS IN DOMESTIC RABBITS.
We have a brilliant and constantly updated website to offer the most contemporary and best practice advice to rabbit owners, as well as the messages that we put out on social media and in the press.
We have held online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Vets and Vet Nurses throughout this year and disseminated new information regarding vaccines and other developments via our website and to our vet mailing list via e- mail. We continue to run a telephone helpline 5 days a week, in which we provide advice to rabbit owners, and give similar advice via our e-mail service.
## **Achievements and performance for the year April 2022 to March 2023**
The Rabbit Welfare Fund has been instrumental in changing perceptions about rabbits as pets. Our work has helped more people understand that rabbits have complicated needs. They aren’t cheap, easy children’s pets that can be locked in a small hutch at the bottom of the garden. There’s still a long way to go, so we’ll keep making our voice heard to help domestic rabbits live the fulfilling lives they deserve. Our campaigns are long term, because we are pushing for behaviour change from rabbit owners, and improvements in legislation, and this can take time.
## Good practice codes for the welfare of pet rabbits
These codes were initially launched in June 2021 so were due for review in 2023. Work started on this early 2023 with the aim to have them reviewed and relaunched before the end of 2023 and we are on track for that.
## PR activity
For the first time ever we engaged a professional PR company to undertake our campaign work, starting September 2022, for a 12 month period. This was a huge commitment in terms of time and funds, but we did see a lot of results in terms of media coverage and welfare messages being shared. We have really hit the headlines with our latest campaign. We have been on ITV prime time news, on the radio, in print and on social media. We have had 59 separate pieces of coverage so far, which gives us a potential audience of 1.7 billion people, and 3.4 million estimated views. Such big numbers!
This is the most coverage we have ever had, and we will keep pushing this story out to keep raising awareness and pushing people to improve. As part of this PR activity we undertook:
## - Challenging the media
It seemed as if the media had it on for rabbits early 2023. Mainly ‘Sort your life out’ which generated 1500 complaints to the BBC. We were very much in the news with our own thoughts about hopefully our messages of proper care and welfare manged to educate a lot of people.
## - Breeder licencing & rabbit sales amnesty
The UK is experiencing the worst rabbit rescue crisis ever. Rescue centres are struggling to cope with the amount of rabbits currently being abandoned, mistreated or surrendered. As the nation’s leading rabbit welfare charity, we launched an urgent appeal for people to support our breeding amnesty and sign our urgent petition to demand government action for a change in legislation to ensure rabbit breeders require the same licensing as dog breeders to raise standards of welfare for rabbits.
Currently, unlike other animals, there is no legislation in Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (the “2018 Regulations”) in England. Anyone is legally allowed to start breeding and then sell the offspring – which results in uneducated and inexperienced rabbit owners having multiple litters, that they can’t look after or sell-on to responsible pet owners.
The lack of legislation is resulting in rabbit breeders having no licence, inspection, or standards, and a result of this is that babies are being mis-sexed and sold with no proper checks or care information. Unsuspecting owners are being faced with accidental litters, which can result in rabbits being dumped and our rescue centres becoming over-run.
Legally, pet shops must be licensed, this ensures that duties of care are met. Unfortunately, a licence is not needed if a person is breeding and selling rabbits online. This has become a boom area and is causing huge problems. The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund welfare team is witnessing an unprecedented rise in abandoned and mistreated rabbits, with an alarming increase in the number of rabbits for sale online. It was obvious to us that not only did rabbit sales need to stop, but that there needs to be controls over how rabbits are bred and sold on line.
3
## **RABBIT WELFARE FUND TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
With a change in legislation, The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund believes there would be an immediate improvement in the welfare of rabbits being sold, and therefore a drop in the number of rabbits being abandoned or dumped.
Because rescue centres across the UK are struggling to cope with the level of abandoned rabbits, in November, the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund launched its Breeding Amnesty campaign calling for:
- An immediate pause in the breeding of rabbits
- Retailers to stop selling rabbits
- Classified sites to stop allowing adverts for baby rabbits
- Members of the public to support rescue and ‘adopt don’t shop’
Our petition to update the legislation was launched in February 2023 and very quickly reached 10,000 signatures. We are well on track to hit the required 100,000 signatures. Similarly, the rabbit sales amnesty was supported by many other welfare organisations and some classified websites suspended the sales of baby rabbits over Easter 2023 as a result.
## Welfare Officer
Through the work of our Animal Welfare Officer, we are aiming to tackle the huge problem of unlicensed breeders advertising on classified online adverts. These breeders are not subject to any regulations, legislation, or welfare checks, and they provide no care advice to their customers. They are also very unlikely to provide proper welfare for the rabbits while they are in their care. Our Welfare Officer trawls the classified adverts and looks for patterns that identify larger scale unlicensed breeders. He then investigates the situation using online resources, surveillance, and often paying a visit in person. If he can produce enough evidence, he will report the breeder to the relevant local authority.
Sadly, because of a combination of a lack of legislation, lack of resources or simple apathy on the part of the local authorities, often little or no action will be taken on the cases we raise. However, the investigations will often highlight wider legal issues. A key example is tax-evasion. These breeders are making a large undeclared income, and we are finding that the HMRC is becoming increasingly interested. Our aim is to make it as hard as possible for these breeders to do business, using whatever tools that the law allows.
## Cases raised:
In the first six months of the year, the Animal Welfare project has raised 265 cases, a massive 77% increase over the same period last year.
## Referrals made:
So far this year, we have produced intelligence sufficient to refer 44 cases to the following agencies:
- LACS (League Against Cruel Sports) Wildlife Crime Reporting
- HMRC
- Local Authority Trading Standards & Environmental Health
- Local Authority Licensing
- Crimestoppers
- MHRA (Medications & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency) and VMD (Veterinary Medicines Directorate)
- Home Office Police Teams
- British Transport Police
- CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)
## Projects commenced:
In May, we started a project aimed at identifying traders and trading platforms in Scotland; this is to assist the SPCA Investigation Unit to understand the scope of the problem in Scotland. At the time of writing, we’re looking to launch a similar project in Wales.
An ongoing CITES referral side-project, where we’ve found suspected trade in endangered species or products of endangered species when monitoring a site for rabbit breeding, has resulted in referral and enforcement action both in the UK and overseas.
## Surveillance operations:
As we’ve emerged from lockdowns and Covid-19 controls, physical monitoring has increased, with 37 observation exercises carried out since March 2022. 15 visits to licensed sites have been made, adding to the overall tally.
## Growing problem:
Monitoring of three trading platforms shows that the large increase in online breeding which we identified during lockdown has not slowed down by any means. In the first six months of 2022, out of 94 traders sampled across three trading platforms, 43 were found to have been trading before lockdown, 36 to have been trading since lockdown, and 15 since January this year. Higher proportions of new traders were found in Scotland and Wales, but this could be because we have had projects on the go that targeted these areas.
## Prolific and priority traders:
One of our most prolific targets appears to have shifted away from trading platforms, after concerted monitoring and reporting, and has set up their own web page and Facebook presence for the purposes of trading. This is being monitored and a referral file to their local authority and HMRC is pending.
4
**RABBIT WELFARE FUND TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
A number of multi-species traders have been identified this year, including breeders of rabbits and birds, rabbits and dogs, rabbits and cats, rabbits and other small mammals, and combinations of all of the above. These are priority targets, since their diversification makes it far more difficult to claim they are hobbyists, and the money they can make from puppy breeding alone can catapult them onto the radar of HMRC’s evasion teams.
## Other offences:
As noted earlier, investigation into rabbit breeding can often lead to other offences being identified. This year alone, our enquiries have resulted in intelligence referrals for illicit tobacco sales, drug trafficking and county lines drug running, CITES endangered species trading, product counterfeiting, as well as vehicle theft and burglary offences. We have also acquired intelligence relating to illegal hunting, including hare coursing, that has been passed to the relevant authorities.
## **Financial review**
The Rabbit Welfare Fund is relatively small charity and the majority of the income funds our campaigning and educational work.
Income had decreased slightly from £93,444 to £90,445 during this period. However overheads had increased significantly, leaving a net deficit of £57,665, compared with last year's deficit of £2,606. We continue to monitor our overheads and reserves to ensure that we are able to meet our obligations.
We are not large enough to have investments, other than money in our deposit bank account, so we do not have an investment policy or risk assessment in place for this. However as at 31 March 2023 our funds at the bank were less than £85,000 so they would be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme in full.
The risks that could affect the charity are, like all charities a drop in donations. With the current economic uncertainty, we have to bear this is mind. We have considered the risk this may cause us and have come to the conclusion that the risk is minimal because the majority of the donations we receive are small. We do not take financial risk.
Donations and legacies account for the majority of the income. We generate a significant amount donations from members of RWAF and any orders processed via our website shop.rabbitwelfare.co.uk.
We have more recently started to receive legacy payments too. This is because our charity is now 20 years old and becoming more well known, and we expect that this will continue.
We have a reserves policy in place, whereby we maintain 3 months of general unrestricted funds in our deposit account. This is to cover unforeseen drops in income. As at year end 31 March 2023 there was £31,304 of general unrestricted funds, which is in excess of that required by the policy.
## **Plans for future periods**
## Good practice codes for the welfare of pet rabbits
Once these Codes have been reviewed and relaunched we will lobby for them to be made statutory, like the dog and cat codes are. We will do this by contacting interested MP’s and the relevant Minister, as well as Defra. There are already statutory codes for rabbits in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so we won’t accept anything less from the English Government.
## Rabbit Strategy and actions
Once the codes have been launched, we will push ahead with the rabbit strategy, and launch this. There are ten areas of action in this, and the codes are one of them. That leaves nine areas of action, so we will aim to identify a lead organisation for each area of action and progressing each one.
## More CPD
We will continue to provide CPD in some format to vets and owners.
## Improving welfare standards in public facing areas and event
Farm parks, rabbit shows, petting zoos, and similar places usually have low welfare, and do not meet the welfare needs of the rabbits there. They also give the public the totally wrong impression.
## **Approval**
This report was approved by the board of Trustees on 23 January 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
Rachel Walters Trustee
5
## **RABBIT WELFARE FUND INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **Independent examiners report to the Trustees of Rabbit Welfare Fund**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts for Rabbit Welfare Fund (“the charity”) for the year ended 31 March 2023, set out on pages 7 - 16.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
2. the accounts do not comply with these records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of the accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a “true and fair view” which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Michelle Ferris BSc (Hons) FCA DChA Albert Goodman LLP Goodwood House Blackbrook Park Avenue Taunton TA1 2PX
29 January 2024
6
## **RABBIT WELFARE FUND STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Unrestricted Restricted Unrestricted Restricted
Funds Funds Total Funds Funds Funds Total Funds
2023 2023 2023 2022 2022 2022
Notes £ £ £ £ £ £
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies 3 51,219 2,095 53,314 57,231 1,922 59,153
Charitable activities 4 16,170 - 16,170 13,510 - 13,510
Investments 5 190 - 190 10 - 10
Other 6 20,771 - 20,771 20,771 - 20,771
Total 88,350 2,095 90,445 91,522 1,922 93,444
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 7 636 1,234 1,870 966 1,831 2,797
Charitable activities 8 49,939 8,475 58,414 20,785 - 20,785
Other 9 86,125 1,701 87,826 68,620 3,848 72,468
Total 136,700 11,410 148,110 90,371 5,679 96,050
Net income/(expenditure) (48,350) (9,315) (57,665) 1,151 (3,757) (2,606)
Transfers between funds - - - - - -
Net movement in funds (48,350) (9,315) (57,665) 1,151 (3,757) (2,606)
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 100,154 43,809 143,963 99,003 47,566 146,569
Total funds carried forward 16 51,804 34,494 86,298 100,154 43,809 143,963
**----- End of picture text -----**
All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in Note 16 to the financial statements.
7
## **RABBIT WELFARE FUND SUMMARY INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT**
**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2023 2022
£ £
Income 90,255 93,434
Interest and investment income 190 10
Gross income for the year 90,445 93,444
Total expenditure for the year (148,110) (96,050)
Net deficit before tax for the year (57,665) (2,606)
Net deficit for the year (57,665) (2,606)
**----- End of picture text -----**
8
## **RABBIT WELFARE FUND BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Notes 2023 2022
£ £
Current assets
Stocks 13 10,000 -
Debtors 14 43,172 38,506
Cash at bank and in hand 36,051 109,206
89,223 147,712
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 15 (2,925) (3,749)
Net current assets 86,298 143,963
Total assets less current liabilities 86,298 143,963
Net assets excluding pension asset or liability 86,298 143,963
Net assets 86,298 143,963
The funds of the charity
Restricted funds
Restricted income funds 16 34,494 43,809
34,494 43,809
Unrestricted funds
General funds 16 31,304 79,654
Designated funds 16 20,500 20,500
51,804 100,154
Total funds 86,298 143,963
**----- End of picture text -----**
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 23 January 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
Rachel Walters Trustee
9
**RABBIT WELFARE FUND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **1 Accounting policies**
## _**Accounting basis**_
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 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
## _**Change in basis of accounting or to previous periods**_
There has been no change to the accounting policies (valuation rules and method of accounting) since last year and no changes have been made to accounts for previous years.
## _**Fund accounting**_
Unrestricted general funds These are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objects of the charity. Unrestricted designated funds These are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted income funds These are available for use subject to restrictions imposed by the donor or through terms of an appeal. _**Income**_ Recognition of income Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity becomes entitled to, and virtually certain to receive, the income and the amount of the income can be measured with sufficient reliability. Income with related Where income has related expenditure the income and related expenditure are expenditure reported gross in the SoFA. Donations and legacies Voluntary income received by way of grants, donations and gifts is included in the SoFA when receivable and only when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the income. Tax reclaims on donations Income from tax reclaims is included in the SoFA at the same time as the and gifts gift/donation to which it relates. Donated services and These are only included in income (with an equivalent amount in expenditure) facilities where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable, and material. Volunteer help The value of any volunteer help is not included within the accounts. Investment income This is included within the accounts when receivable. Gains/(losses) on revaluation This includes any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market of fixed assets value. Gains/(losses) on investment This includes any gain or loss of the sale of investments. assets _**Expenditure**_ Recognition of expenditure Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis. Expenditure includes any VAT that cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates. Expenditure on raising funds These comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income, fundraising trading costs and investment management costs. Expenditure on charitable These comprise the costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities activities and services in the furtherance of its objects, including the making of grants and governance costs. Grants payable All grant expenditure is accounted for on an accrual paid basis plus an accrual for grants that have been approved by the trustees at the end of the year but not yet paid. Governance costs These include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and
10
**RABBIT WELFARE FUND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
statutory requirements of the charity, including any audit/independent examination fees, costs linked to the strategic management of the charity, together with a share of other administration costs.
Other expenditure
These are support costs not allocated to a particular activity.
## _**Stocks**_
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads.
## _**Taxation**_
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
## _**Trade and other debtors**_
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
## _**Cash and cash equivalents**_
Cash and cash equivalents comprised cash at bank and on hand, demand deposits with banks and other shortterm highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and bank overdrafts. In the Statement of Financial Position, bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings or current liabilities. In the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the charity's cash management.
## _**Trade and other creditors**_
Short term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has as 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 and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
## _**Financial instruments**_
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Basic financial assets, including trade and other receivables, cash and bank balances and investments in commercial paper, are initially recognised at transaction price. Such assets are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Basic financial liabilities, including trade and other payables, bank loans, loans from group companies and preference shares that are classified as debt, are initially recognised at transaction price. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
## **2 Charity information**
Rabbit Welfare Fund is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission in England & Wales. The registered office address is 61 Bridge Street, Kington, HR5 3DJ.
11
**RABBIT WELFARE FUND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **3 Income from donations and legacies**
|Donations
Fundraising
Sponsor A Rescue
Gift Aid|Unrestricted
Funds
2023
£
35,111
14,684
-
1,424
51,219|Restricted
Funds
2023
£
-
-
2,095
-
2,095|**Total Funds**
**2023**
**£**
**35,111**
**14,684**
**2,095**
**1,424**
**53,314**|Unrestricted
Funds
2022
£
31,549
24,050
-
1,632
57,231|Restricted
Funds
2022
£
-
-
1,922
-
1,922|**Total Funds**
**2022**
**£**
**31,549**
**24,050**
**1,922**
**1,632**
**59,153**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As at the year end the charity had been notified of material legacies which have not been included in the Statement of Financial Activities due to the conditions for recognition not being met. This consists of one legacy totalling approximately £80,000 (2022: none).
## **4 Income from charitable activities**
|A Hutch Is Not Enough
Educational leaflet sales
Welfare Day Income
Advertising Income|Unrestricted
Funds
2023
£
29
15,491
(2,000)
2,650
16,170|Restricted
Funds
2023
£
-
-
-
-
-|**Total Funds**
**2023**
**£**
**29**
**15,491**
**(2,000)**
**2,650**
**16,170**|Unrestricted
Funds
2022
£
35
9,475
4,000
-
13,510|Restricted
Funds
2022
£
-
-
-
-
-|**Total Funds**
**2022**
**£**
**35**
**9,475**
**4,000**
**-**
**13,510**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
## **5 Income from investments**
|Bank interest
**6**
**Other income**
RWAF management fee income
**7**
**Expenditure on raising funds**
Fundraising
Sponsor A Rescue
Welfare Day Costs
**8**
**Expenditure on charitable activities**
A Hutch Is Not Enough
Educational leaflet expenditure
Advertising
Capone Fund
Educational Vet Webinar Sessions
Other Campaign Costs|Unrestricted
Funds
2023
£
190
190
Unrestricted
Funds
2023
£
20,771
20,771
Unrestricted
Funds
2023
£
636
-
-
636
Unrestricted
Funds
2023
£
30
9,545
16,328
8,543
15,493
-
49,939|Restricted
Funds
2023
£
-
-
Restricted
Funds
2023
£
-
-
Restricted
Funds
2023
£
-
1,234
-
1,234
Restricted
Funds
2023
£
-
-
8,475
-
-
-
8,475|**Total Funds**
**2023**
**£**
**190**
**190**
**Total Funds**
**2023**
**£**
**20,771**
**20,771**
**Total Funds**
**2023**
**£**
**636**
**1,234**
**-**
**1,870**
**Total Funds**
**2023**
**£**
**30**
**9,545**
**24,803**
**8,543**
**15,493**
**-**
**58,414**|Unrestricted
Funds
2022
£
10
10
Unrestricted
Funds
2022
£
20,771
20,771
Unrestricted
Funds
2022
£
216
-
750
966
Unrestricted
Funds
2022
£
-
2,145
8,737
8,083
-
1,820
20,785|Restricted
Funds
2022
£
-
-
Restricted
Funds
2022
£
-
-
Restricted
Funds
2022
£
-
1,831
-
1,831
Restricted
Funds
2022
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-|**Total Funds**
**2022**
**£**
**10**
**10**
**Total Funds**
**2022**
**£**
**20,771**
**20,771**
**Total Funds**
**2022**
**£**
**216**
**1,831**
**750**
**2,797**
**Total Funds**
**2022**
**£**
**-**
**2,145**
**8,737**
**8,083**
**-**
**1,820**
**20,785**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12
## **RABBIT WELFARE FUND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **9 Other expenditure**
|Benevolent Fund Veterinary Payments
Other Expenditure - RWF Rescue Rabbits
Charitable Donations
Management and volunteer costs
Premises costs
General administrative costs
Interest payable and similar costs
Legal and professional costs|Unrestricted
Funds
2023
£
-
1,254
-
53,805
2,955
8,371
1
19,739
86,125|Restricted
Funds
2023
£
1,029
672
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,701|**Total Funds**
**2023**
**£**
**1,029**
**1,926**
**-**
**53,805**
**2,955**
**8,371**
**1**
**19,739**
**87,826**|Unrestricted
Funds
2022
£
-
-
2,923
46,982
4,496
670
13
13,536
68,620|Restricted
Funds
2022
£
-
3,848
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,848|**Total Funds**
**2022**
**£**
**-**
**3,848**
**2,923**
**46,982**
**4,496**
**670**
**13**
**13,536**
**72,468**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Included within 'Legal and professional costs' is an expense for independent examination fees of £784 (2022: £790).
## **10 Staff numbers**
The average number of employees during the year was as follows: 3 (2022: 3).
## **11 Staff costs, trustee remuneration and expenses**
No employee received emoluments in excess of £60,000 (2022: None).
Rachel Walters (trustee) received payment for management services supplied to the charity during the year totalling £38,631, including benefits (2022: £35,375). Rachel was reimbursed travel expenses during the year totalling £498 (2022: £300). The total amount owing to Rachel Walters at 31 March 2023 was £Nil (2022: £312).
Roslyn Lamb (trustee) received payment for administrative services supplied to the charity during the year totalling £6,136, including benefits (2022: £5,837).The total amount owing to Roslyn Lamb at 31 March 2023 was £Nil (2022: £312).
Emma Boyd (trustee) was reimbursed travel expenses during the year totalling £216 (2022: £Nil).The total amount owing to Emma Boyd at 31 March 2023 was £Nil (2022: £Nil).
Alan Wilson (trustee) was reimbursed travel expenses during the year totalling £102 (2022: £Nil).The total amount owing to Alan Wilson at 31 March 2023 was £Nil (2022: £Nil).
All of the trustees received their remuneration through the payroll of the charity with effect from 1 January 2021, with Rachel Walters previously receiving her remuneration as self-employed income. All of the payments made were permitted by the charity’s governing document.
## **12 Related party transactions**
All of the four trustees of the charity also serve as the directors of Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund ("RWAF"), a company limited by guarantee, and have control over this entity.
The charity and RWAF share a 'lock-up' premises. During the year the charity paid £2,331 (2022: £2,331) in contributions towards rental costs to RWAF.
During the year RWAF incurred the following expenses on behalf of the charity which have been or are due to be reimbursed:
|Vets fees, food and other rabbit welfare provisions|**2023**
**£**
968
968|**2022**
**£**
553
553|
|---|---|---|
During the year the charity received donations from individual donors, collected by RWAF on its behalf. None of these donations would be considered outside the normal course of business. There were no restricted donations from RWAF itself, or any other related party. The total amount owed to the charity by RWAF at 31 March 2023 was £23,258 (2022: £19,074).
13
**RABBIT WELFARE FUND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
13 Stocks
2023 2022
£ £
Finished Goods (RWF Leaflets) 10,000 -
10,000 -
14 Debtors
2023 2022
£ £
Trade debtors - 2,000
Accrued income and prepayments 19,914 17,430
Other debtors 23,258 19,076
43,172 38,506
15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2023 2022
£ £
Trade creditors - 240
Accruals 2,925 2,885
Other creditors - 624
2,925 3,749
**----- End of picture text -----**
14
## **RABBIT WELFARE FUND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **16 Movement in funds**
|**16.1** **_Current year_**
**_Restricted Income Funds:_**
Sponsor A Rescue Fund
Benevolent Fund
Total
**_Unrestricted Funds_**
**_General Funds:_**
**_Designated Funds:_**
Vet Specialist Adviser Fund
Premises Fund
Total
**_Total Funds_**
**16.2** **_Prior year_**
**_Restricted Income Funds:_**
Sponsor A Rescue Fund
Benevolent Fund
Total
**_Unrestricted Funds_**
**_General Funds:_**
**_Designated Funds:_**
Vet Specialist Adviser Fund
Total
**_Total Funds_**|**At 1 April**
**2022**
**£**
1,088
42,721
43,809
79,654
8,000
12,500
20,500
143,963
**At 1 April**
**2021**
**£**
997
46,569
47,566
91,003
8,000
8,000
146,569|**Incoming**
**resources**
**£**
2,095
-
2,095
88,350
-
-
-
90,445
**Incoming**
**resources**
**£**
1,922
-
1,922
91,522
-
-
93,444|**Resources**
**expended**
**£**
(1,234)
(10,176)
(11,410)
(128,138)
(8,562)
-
(8,562)
(148,110)
**Resources**
**expended**
**£**
(1,831)
(3,848)
(5,679)
(81,871)
(8,500)
(8,500)
(96,050)|**Transfers**
**£**
-
-
-
(8,562)
8,562
-
8,562
-
**Transfers**
**£**
-
-
-
(21,000)
8,500
21,000
-|**At 31**
**March 2023**
**£**
1,949
32,545
34,494
31,304
8,000
12,500
20,500
86,298
**At 31**
**March 2022**
**£**
1,088
42,721
43,809
79,654
8,000
20,500
143,963|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15
## **RABBIT WELFARE FUND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **Purposes and restrictions in relation to the funds:**
Represent the amount by which investments exceed their historical cost.
Revaluation reserves Represent the amount by which investments exceed their historical cost. _Restricted funds:_ Sponsor A Rescue Fund Represents sponsorship donations which are split and used to support a number of rescue shelters.
Benevolent Fund Represents grants received to enable the medical care of rescued rabbits. The source of these funds during the 2022-23 accounting year has been the Eilis Power legacy. Capone Fund Represents specific donations to fund our animal welfare officer. _Designated funds:_ Vet Specialist Adviser Fund Represents funds set aside for the provision of specialist advice required by the charity in furtherance of its core aims and objectives. Premises Fund Represents funds set aside for unexpected premises and relocation costs.
## **17 Analysis of net assets between funds**
## **17.1** _**Current year**_
|Cash at bank and in hand
Other net current assets/(liabilities)
Total|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**2023**
**£**
1,557
50,247
51,804|**Restricted**
**Funds**
**2023**
**£**
34,494
-
34,494|**Total Funds**
**2023**
**£**
36,051
50,247
86,298|
|---|---|---|---|
## **17.2** _**Prior year**_
|Cash at bank and in hand
Other net current assets/(liabilities)
Total|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**2022**
**£**
65,397
34,757
100,154|**Restricted**
**Funds**
**2022**
**£**
43,809
-
43,809|**Total Funds**
**2022**
**£**
109,206
34,757
143,963|
|---|---|---|---|
16
## **RABBIT WELFARE FUND DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **This page does not form part of the statutory accounts**
|Unrestricted
Funds
2023
£
**Income and endowments from:**
Donations and legacies
Donations
35,111
Fundraising
14,684
Sponsor A Rescue
-
Gift Aid
1,424
51,219
Charitable activities
A Hutch Is Not Enough
29
Educational leaflet sales
15,491
Welfare Day Income
(2,000)
Advertising Income
2,650
16,170
Investments
Bank interest
190
190
Other
RWAF management fee income
20,771
20,771
**Total Income and endowments**
88,350
**Expenditure on:**
Raising funds
Fundraising
636
Sponsor A Rescue
-
Welfare Day Costs
-
636
Charitable activities
A Hutch Is Not Enough
30
Educational leaflet expenditure
9,545
Advertising
16,328
Capone Fund
8,543
Educational Vet Webinar Sessions
15,493
Other Campaign Costs
-
49,939
Other
Benevolent Fund Veterinary Payments
-
Other Expenditure - RWF Rescue Rabbits
1,254
Charitable Donations
-
1,254
Management and volunteer costs
Wages & salaries
50,952
Employers' NI
-
Pensions
32
Training
1,450
Travel & subsistence
1,283
Staff entertainment
47
Relocation expenses
41
53,805|Restricted
Funds
2023
£
-
-
2,095
-
2,095
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,095
-
1,234
-
1,234
-
-
8,475
-
-
-
8,475
1,029
672
-
1,701
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-|**Total Funds**
**2023**
**£**
**35,111**
**14,684**
**2,095**
**1,424**
**53,314**
**29**
**15,491**
**(2,000)**
**2,650**
**16,170**
**190**
**190**
**20,771**
**20,771**
**90,445**
**636**
**1,234**
**-**
**1,870**
**30**
**9,545**
**24,803**
**8,543**
**15,493**
**-**
**58,414**
**1,029**
**1,926**
**-**
**2,955**
**50,952**
**-**
**32**
**1,450**
**1,283**
**47**
**41**
53,805|Unrestricted
Funds
2022
£
31,549
24,050
-
1,632
57,231
35
9,475
4,000
-
13,510
10
10
20,771
20,771
91,522
216
-
750
966
-
2,145
8,737
8,083
-
1,820
20,785
-
-
2,923
2,923
42,663
3,619
400
-
300
-
-
46,982|Restricted
Funds
2022
£
-
-
1,922
-
1,922
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,922
-
1,831
-
1,831
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,848
-
3,848
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-|**Total Funds**
**2022**
**£**
**31,549**
**24,050**
**1,922**
**1,632**
**59,153**
**35**
**9,475**
**4,000**
**-**
**13,510**
**10**
**10**
**20,771**
**20,771**
**93,444**
**216**
**1,831**
**750**
**2,797**
**-**
**2,145**
**8,737**
**8,083**
**-**
**1,820**
**20,785**
**-**
**3,848**
**2,923**
**6,771**
**42,663**
**3,619**
**400**
**-**
**300**
**-**
**-**
46,982|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
17
## **RABBIT WELFARE FUND DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **This page does not form part of the statutory accounts**
|Premises costs
Rent
Use of home
Light & heat
Cleaning
General administrative costs
Software costs
Printing, postage & stationery
Telephone & internet
Bank charges
Interest payable and similar costs
Other loan interest
Legal and professional costs
Accountancy fees
Independent Examination fees
Solicitors fees
Other legal & professional fees
Consultancy fees
**Total expenditure**
**Net income/(expenditure)**
**Transfers between funds**
**Net movement in funds**|2,331
624
-
-
2,955
8,077
132
100
62
8,371
1
1
1,395
784
8,562
8,398
600
19,739
136,700
(48,350)
-
(48,350)|-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
11,410
(9,315)
-
(9,315)|**2,331**
**624**
**-**
**-**
**2,955**
**8,077**
**132**
**100**
**62**
**8,371**
**1**
**1**
**1,395**
**784**
**8,562**
**8,398**
**600**
**19,739**
**148,110**
**(57,665)**
**-**
**(57,665)**|3,333
624
29
510
4,496
469
181
-
20
670
13
13
1,200
790
8,500
1,826
1,220
13,536
90,371
1,151
-
1,151|-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,679
(3,757)
-
(3,757)|**3,333**
**624**
**29**
**510**
**4,496**
**469**
**181**
**-**
**20**
**670**
**13**
**13**
**1,200**
**790**
**8,500**
**1,826**
**1,220**
**13,536**
**96,050**
**(2,606)**
**-**
**(2,606)**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
18