## **Schnauzerfest our Annual Report and Accounts 2023-2024** **Registered Charity Number 1185975** ## **CONTENTS** 1 Trustees Report 12 Structure and governance 14 Financial Review 15 Independent examiner's report 16 Financial statements 18 Notes to the financial statements ## **TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 2023 TO MARCH 2024** ## **WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO** Schnauzerfest is an animal welfare charity working to relieve the suffering of dogs, in particular but not exclusively schnauzers, who are in need of care and attention. We promote humane behaviour towards all dogs. We achieve this by supporting animal welfare charities, organisations and individuals involved in the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of dogs. In addition we provide support for individuals who are unable at a point in time to meet the costs of veterinary care for their dogs. We educate the public on matters around responsible pet ownership and animal welfare with a focus on the dog breeding industry. ## **GRANTS FOR VETERINARY TREATMENT** We provided Schnauzerfest Grants to **38** rescue organisations including 2 neutering grants. In addition **24** owners received assistance paying vet bills for their dogs. We helped twice the number of owners from the previous year. This reflects serious problems for owners who are facing the rising costs of veterinary treatment. The majority of owners who received help had insurance cover for their dogs but treatment costs exceeded what was available. Coupled with increasing insurance premiums this is a worrying trend. We expect to see more owners being unable to afford treatment for their dogs. **----- Start of picture text -----**
£145,502
total Grants
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The Trustees confirm that they have carefully considered the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit in deciding what activities the charity should undertake and believe that Schnauzerfest’s work does so in a number of ways. Throughout this annual review, the activities undertaken by Schnauzerfest will demonstrate that the charity’s work in pursuit of its charitable purposes have created material public benefit and prepared Schnauzerfest to further this in future. **1** ## **HELPING DOGS ACROSS THE BRITISH ISLES** Rescue organisations and owners who received help were located across a broad geographic area during the period covered by this report. **Schnauzerfest Grants** paid vet bills for dogs in **30 English counties Wales Scotland Northern Ireland Eire** We are very grateful for the generosity of our supporters. They give not only vital donations but through their **We helped dogs in** commitment and engagement they bring awareness of our work to a wider community. This enables us to give help to rescues and dogs when, and where it is needed. Our membership of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes helps us work with rescues and the dogs in their care who we can support. Fifteen of the rescues which received grants were ADCH members. In addition, for owners surrendering their dogs, we connect them with ADCH Members. **2** ## **BRIGHT EYES** **Thanks for agreeing to help us with Monty’s treatment, we are very grateful. He is really struggling even walking around our house.** From the very beginning of Schnauzerfest we have had a special interest in helping dogs regain and retain their eyesight. ## Grants funded cataract surgery for 5 dogs Applications for assistance for four of these came during the first six weeks of the financial year. The dogs were unrelated and all afflicted by sudden blindness caused by diabetes-induced cataracts. For their families the distress of facing life changing blindness for their dogs was immense and made worse when the financial demands of treatment made it impossible to obtain without charitable assistance. **We took him for a nice walk and it was amazing the transformation from how he was only a couple of weeks since. We’ve got our little dog back all thanks to Schnauzerfest and the kind generosity from donors and fundraisers.** **3** As well as cataract operations we funded a range of other ophthalmology procedures for several dogs. In some cases grants covered the costs of long term ophthalmic medication. **4** ## **A CRISIS FOR RESCUES** With the cost of living crisis, increasing vet prices and the continuing fallout from the ‘pandemic puppies’ demands on rescue organisations are rocketing. Calls from owners needing to surrender their dogs and the numbers of stray dogs going up were all reported. Abandoning dogs is a sad and terrible reality. Mario arrived via the dog warden into the care of Hereford and Worcester Animal Rescue having been taken to a local vet in a dreadfully neglected state. **5** **Mario recovered well** and was soon adopted by his foster family. A few months later, he was joined by Jasper, a miniature schnauzer we were asked to help. We connected his owners with an experienced rescue in the West Country. They, like others were incredibly busy but agreed without hesitation to help. Networking and collaborating for the best outcomes for the dogs is a vital part of the charity’s work. After spending a few weeks in foster care working on his behavioural issues, Jasper was ready for adoption and joined Mario and his adopted brother Ted (pictured with Nadine, their adopter). **Mario is such a character. He knows what he wants and how to get it. You wouldn’t believe he was 12 and a half to see him. He truly is the best boy and we feel very lucky to have him.** **Jasper is a complex boy. When he came to us he was so quiet I thought how did he find himself in rescue? He’s my 5th schnauzer and has by far been the most challenging. That said, he has such a sweet nature and loves nothing more than playing with his toys and cuddling up on the sofa. We are continuing to work hard on his more challenging elements and give him the best possible life.** **It’s safe to say that I have my hands full but so is my heart and I wouldn’t have it any other way.** **6** When 13 year old schnauzer cross Tyson’s medical needs were left to others to help, his world crashed. But, as is often the way, being abandoned in his time of need turned out to be the saving of Tyson. He was taken in by a small rescue which is dedicated to looking after senior and poorly dogs. Their vet diagnosed Cushing’s disease which requires regular medication and monitoring. **7** ## **HELPING OWNERS, HELPING DOGS** While we are not a rehoming organisation we do assist owners when they cannot keep their dogs, or if owners have died and family and friends need help finding homes for the dogs. It is an area of our work which requires great sensitivity and we are very proud of our volunteers who are involved in this area. Plus, extremely grateful to the rescues we work with who find the best solutions for all involved. ## **We were asked to help** **I would just like to say thank you for trying to help us where you can, you have been really helpful and very kind to speak with during this time. dogs** **2 giant schnauzers 1 standard schnauzer** **33 mini schnauzers** **Just wanted to update you. We’ve just collected him, he’s settled, had a good run around, found where his beds are etc.** **He is a gorgeous old gent with a very warm personality. I want to thank you for your support and help. Our home is complete once again.** **----- Start of picture text -----**
I can’t tell you how much
you have brought down
my anxiety levels. I really
appreciate your help.
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**8** ## **RUNNING AND WALKING FOR SCHNAUZERFEST** Our supporters found great ways to fundraise during the year and walking and running featured big and bold. There were many social dog walks held which collectively raised a lot of very important funds. We are hugely grateful for every walk and penny raised, walks are the very heart of Schnauzerfest. **Walkfest For Schnauzerfest** is a wonderful group of supporters who walked and fundraised individually, using technology to log their walks and motivate each other. **9** **Extraordinary, energetic, active & inspirational** **We have an extraordinary community of fundraisers, volunteers, donors and supporters. They make everything possible.** **----- Start of picture text -----**
They make everything possible.
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**10** ## **LIVES SAVED BY EXTRAORDINARY GENEROSITY** The year saw an increase in donations and support for the charity. We offer enormous thanks to everyone for their generosity. It meant we did not refuse any application for assistance because of lack of funds. On occasion, applications required quick decisions in order for treatment to go ahead. The life saving and extraordinary support of our donors cannot be over emphasised. Sherlock’s vet was advising an urgent referral and blood transfusion to save his life. Insurance cover and other financial options had been exhausted. His family were desperate and facing their own health problems and a temporary reduction in income when they applied for help. The Trustees expedited their decision and Sherlock’s referral went ahead. He quickly responded to treatment and while his condition is serious and life-long, his future is brighter than ever. Sherlock had a visit to the hospital for another blood test. The results were fantastic! Sherlocks platelets are now at the normal level they should be, he's looking really healthy and back to his usual happy boy, which absolutely amazing, two weeks ago we thought we'd lost him! we intend on raising money via a charity event for Schnauzerfest, your generosity will never be forgotten. **11** ## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** Good governance is fundamental to our charity. We are fully committed to it and it means the charity is well placed to achieve its objectives. In October our application to amend our objectives was approved by the Charity Commission. The amendments enable us to better meet the needs of those we are here to assist. Our commitment to the highest standards of governance ensures that we are compliant with relevant legislation, we can review any risks we are facing, and create a positive, protected community of supporters who we recognise and value as fundamental to our success. We take data protection and privacy seriously. We adhere to the Code of Fundraising Practice and all required charity regulations. ## **INTEGRITY** As a charity we are committed to doing what is right and doing it openly and honestly. The Trustees govern and scrutinise all decisions to ensure we meet the standards set by the Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator as well as the rigorous standards we set ourselves. Keeping our supporters’ and donors’ trust is something we take seriously. We work at all times to ensure that we manage the finances responsibly and are transparent, truthful and reliable. There are some occasions where we might be prevented from being transparent by legislation (for example data protection) or, where a case is operationally sensitive (for example a welfare case). We consider carefully at all times what we share and when, with a steadfast commitment to transparency. **12** ## **BOARD OF TRUSTEES** **There are four Trustees, all were appointed on 24 October 2019. Janetta Bensouilah** **Anne Barlow Camilla Kinton Annabel Wilson** ## REMUNERATION OF TRUSTEES All Trustees act in a voluntary capacity and receive no remuneration or other material benefits from their services to the charity. ## APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES Apart from the first charity trustees, every trustee must be appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a meeting of the charity trustees. In selecting individuals for appointment the charity trustees will have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the organisation. The trustees will make available to each new trustee, on or before appointment a copy of the current version of the constitution and a copy of the latest Trustees’ Annual Report and statement of accounts. ## TRUSTEE MEETINGS The Trustee Board meets regularly by Zoom. Every meeting has standing agenda items covering performance, activities, planning, communications, risk and compliance matters. To these are added other relevant items in line with the Trustees’ responsibilities. ## GRANT GIVING POLICY The key element of our work is providing financial support for veterinary treatment. The payment of every veterinary treatment grant is considered and sanctioned by the Board of Trustees. **13** ## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE** **Schnauzerfest is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) as a body corporate under Part 11 of the Charities Act 2011. The CIO registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales on 24 October 2019.** ## **PRINCIPAL ADDRESS** **2 Lapwing Close Basingstoke Hampshire RG22 5UU** CHARITY NUMBER: 1185975 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER BANKERS UHY Hacker Young CAF Bank Ltd PO Box 501 25 Kings Hill Avenue The Nexus Building Kings Hill Broadway West Malling Letchworth Garden City Kent Herts ME19 4JQ SG6 9BL ## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** We are pleased to present our full financial report and statements in the following pages. In brief, our total income for the year was £170,287 and expenditure was £167,903 and unrestricted funds at year end were £50,574. ## RESERVES The Trustees have decided a policy of maintaining 3-6 months of expenditure. 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