Trustees' Annual Report for the period
| From | Period start date | Period start date | TO | Period end date | Period end date | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 12 | 2025 | 31 | 12 | 2025 |
Section A Reference and administration details
| Charity’s name | HOOVES AND TAILS |
|---|---|
| Other names the charity is known by | |
| Registered charity number (if any) | 1205698 |
| Charity’s principle address | 2 Lady St John Square, Goldings North Road Hertford, Hertfordshire SG14 2WS |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
Trustee Name |
Office (if any) |
Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of the person (body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isabel Dowsett | Chair | ||
| Simon Leadbeater | Trustee | ||
| Nermin Sigisrtmac | Trustee | ||
Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)
Names Date if not acted for whole year
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of advisor Name Address
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
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Section B Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts
Type of governing document
Constitution
- (eg. trust deed, constitution)
How the charity is constituted
CIO
- (eg. trust, association, company)
Appointed by management/trustees Trustee selection methods
- (eg. appointed by, elected by)
Additional governance issues (Optional information)
You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:
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policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees;
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the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works;
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relationship with any related parties;
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trustees’ consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them.
Section C Objectives and activities
Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document
To relieve the suffering of unwanted, abandoned and neglected animals that need care, protection and treatment by reason of sickness, maltreatment, poor circumstances or ill usage, by the provision of a rescue, re-homing and the accommodation of such animals. To advance public education in matters concerning animal welfare in general and the prevention of cruelty and suffering among animals.
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The charity provides a safe and permanent sanctuary for rescued farm animals, ensuring they can live out the rest of their lives in comfort, safety and dignity. Animals in our care receive appropriate shelter, nutrition and veterinary attention, including specialist care for illness, injury and age-related conditions. Our work is focused on improving animal welfare and preventing suffering caused by neglect, abandonment or poor living conditions.
We achieve our charitable aims through the following activities:
● Rescue, rehabilitation and lifelong care We work in collaboration with other animal rescues, welfare organisations and individuals to alleviate animal suffering caused by neglect, illness, maltreatment or unsafe environments. Where appropriate, we respond to reports of animals in distress, remove them from harmful situations and bring them to safety. Animals are either provided with lifelong care at the sanctuary or supported into suitable alternative placements where this best meets their needs.
Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit)
● Education and awareness We promote kindness, compassion and responsible treatment of animals by educating the public about animal welfare. Through digital platforms, communications with supporters and private sanctuary visits, we raise awareness of animal cruelty prevention, appropriate animal care, and the benefits of sponsoring or supporting rescued farm animals. These activities help build long-term understanding and engagement with animal welfare issues.
● Public engagement and volunteering The charity offers opportunities for members of the public to interact with and learn about farm animals through volunteering, visits and fundraising activities. These experiences help people form meaningful connections with animals, challenge perceptions of farm animals, and encourage compassionate behaviour, while also supporting the sustainability of the sanctuary.
● Fundraising and sustainability To support our ongoing work, the charity undertakes fundraising activities including seeking donations and grants, offering animal sponsorships, and hosting private visits. These activities generate essential income to meet the costs of animal care, veterinary treatment, feed, and sanctuary maintenance.
The Trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and confirm that the charity’s activities are carried out for the benefit of the public.
Public Benefit
The charity provides public benefit in the following ways:
● Animals in need
The primary beneficiaries of the charity’s work are unwanted, abandoned and neglected animals. Through rescue, rehabilitation and lifelong care, the charity improves their welfare and quality of life.
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The wider community The sanctuary acts as a focal point for people who share values of compassion and kindness towards animals. Visitors and volunteers engage directly with the animals, fostering community involvement, social connection and shared responsibility for animal welfare.
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Animal lovers and sponsors The charity provides opportunities for individuals to sponsor animals, allowing them to support animal welfare without the responsibility of direct care. Sponsorships increase public engagement while contributing to the animals’ ongoing care.
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Volunteers and supporters Volunteers benefit by gaining a sense of purpose, fulfilment and practical experience in animal care and sanctuary operations, while contributing their time and skills to further the charity’s objectives.
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Educational groups and learners Educational visits and volunteering opportunities help raise awareness of animal welfare, encourage empathy and compassion, and provide hands-on learning experiences related to sanctuary management and animal care.
Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)
You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:
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policy on grantmaking;
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policy programme related investment;
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contribution made by volunteers.
Section D Achievements and performance
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Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year
Throughout the year, the charity continued to care for all animals in its care, ensuring their welfare, safety and day-to-day needs were met. This year proved exceptionally challenging due to prolonged dry weather and drought conditions. The lack of grass meant that animals required hay feeding throughout the summer months, rather than only during winter. This significantly increased costs at a time when donations were already under pressure. Although conditions improved later in the year, providing some financial relief, overall expenditure remained high.
The cost of animal care continued to rise, with animal feed and veterinary expenses remaining the charity’s largest areas of spend. Veterinary fees, medication and specialist care increased, particularly as several animals in the flock are ageing and now require ongoing treatment, including regular medication for conditions such as arthritis.
In addition to animal care, the charity continued to maintain the sanctuary grounds and facilities. Ongoing work included fencing repairs, barn maintenance and general upkeep to ensure a safe and secure environment for both animals and volunteers.
On a positive note, the charity experienced increased engagement through its animal sponsorship programme, with more residents being sponsored during the year. Sponsorship remains an important source of regular income, particularly given the ongoing challenge of fundraising for farm animals. While donations have continued to grow gradually, the trustees recognise that further development of fundraising activities remains necessary. Volunteer support remained a vital part of the charity’s operations. The charity successfully recruited new volunteers during the year and continued to build its volunteer network. Volunteers assisted with essential tasks including hoof trimming, rounding up, sanctuary maintenance, mucking out, seasonal clean-ups and general husbandry support.
During the year, the charity sadly lost one sheep. While losses are always difficult, overall animal welfare remained stable, and no other animals were lost during the reporting period. The trustees remain committed to continuing and developing the charity’s work, ensuring high standards of animal welfare while adapting to rising costs and external challenges.
Section E Financial review
The aim of the charity is to ensure that the charity’s ongoing and future Brief statement of the activities are reasonably protected from unexpected variances in its charity’s policy on reserves income and expenditure. We aim to keep a minimum level of unrestricted general fund, currently set at £1000. Details of any funds materially in deficit
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Further financial review details (Optional information)
You may choose to include additional information, where relevant about:
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the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising);
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how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity;
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investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted.
Section F Other optional information
Section G Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) |
||
|---|---|---|
| Full names(s) | Isabel Fadime Dowsett | Nermin Sigirtmac |
| Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc | Trustee and Secretary | Trustee |
Date 4th January 2026
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| HOOVES AND TAILS INCOME AND EXPENSES SUMMARY FOR THE FINANCIAL PERIOD 01 December 2025 TO 31 DECEMBER 2025 |
HOOVES AND TAILS INCOME AND EXPENSES SUMMARY FOR THE FINANCIAL PERIOD 01 December 2025 TO 31 DECEMBER 2025 |
HOOVES AND TAILS INCOME AND EXPENSES SUMMARY FOR THE FINANCIAL PERIOD 01 December 2025 TO 31 DECEMBER 2025 |
HOOVES AND TAILS INCOME AND EXPENSES SUMMARY FOR THE FINANCIAL PERIOD 01 December 2025 TO 31 DECEMBER 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Description | Income | Expenses |
| 03 Jan 25 | VAT Returns | 4.2 | |
| 06 Jan 25 | Donations | 200 | |
| 08 Jan 25 | VAT Claims | 71.57 | |
| 09 Jan 25 | Sanctuary Purchase | 16.39 | |
| 13 Jan 25 | Hay | 210 | |
| 05 Feb 25 | Hay | 250 | |
| 06 Feb 25 | Donations | 200 | |
| 10 Feb 25 | Sanctuary Purchase | 26.2 | |
| 21 Feb 25 | Sanctuary Camera | 10.26 | |
| 21 Feb 25 | Hay | 105 | |
| 24 Feb 25 | Sponsorships | 30 | |
| 03 Mar 25 | Animals Feed | 82.02 | |
| 06 Mar 25 | Donations | 200 | |
| 07 Mar 25 | Vet Bills | 88.35 | |
| 07 Mar 25 | Hay | 250 | |
| 07 Mar 25 | Sponsorships | 60 | |
| 17 Mar 25 | Donations | 69 | |
| 18 Mar 25 | Medications | 109.74 | |
| 20 Mar 25 | Currency Conversion Fee | 0.4 | |
| 20 Mar 25 | Currency Conversion Fee | 1.41 | |
| 20 Mar 25 | Pet Supplies | 14.61 | |
| 20 Mar 25 | Pet Supplies | 51.61 | |
| 21 Mar 25 | Refund | 0.59 | |
| 21 Mar 25 | Supplies | 21.79 | |
| 24 Mar 25 | Medications | 23.76 | |
| 25 Mar 25 | Animals Feed | 19.67 |
| 02 Apr 25 Vet Bills 125.72 04 Apr 25 Grant 500 07 Apr 25 VAT Returns 4.2 07 Apr 25 Donations 200 10 Apr 25 VAT claims 35.76 14 Apr 25 Medications 21.68 14 Apr 25 Animals Feed 57.93 22 Apr 25 Sanctuary Supplies 4.37 02 May 25 Sanctuary Email 10 06 May 25 Donations 200 08 May 25 Animals Feed 19.67 12 May 25 Animals Feed 44.89 14 May 25 Sanctuary Supplies 19.99 19 May 25 Sanctuary Supplies 18.16 23 May 25 Animals Feed 20.49 02 Jun 25 Animals Feed 13.47 03 Jun 25 Vet Bills 211.74 03 Jun 25 Donations 50.67 06 Jun 25 Donations 200 09 Jun 25 Animals Feed 66.44 10 Jun 25 Sanctuary Supplies 11.99 13 Jun 25 Sanctuary Supplies 9.09 17 Jun 25 Animals Feed 22.35 17 Jun 25 Animals Feed 31.1 17 Jun 25 Sanctuary Supplies 37.98 26 Jun 25 Animals Feed 82.95 27 Jun 25 Hay 145 30 Jun 25 Sanctuary Supplies 15.13 07 Jul 25 VAT Returns 5.4 07 Jul 25 Animals Feed 14.5 07 Jul 25 Sponsorships 150 |
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| 07 Jul 25 Donations 200 10 Jul 25 VAT Claims 88.66 17 Jul 25 Hay 250 18 Jul 25 Sanctuary Camera 10.04 21 Jul 25 Sanctuary Supplies 54.91 30 Jul 25 Purchase 54.91 06 Aug 25 Vet Bills 65.96 06 Aug 25 Donations 200 12 Aug 25 Animals Feed 112.25 15 Aug 25 sanctuary Supplies 29.43 18 Aug 25 Sanctuary Supplies 4.4 19 Aug 25 Sanctuary Supplies 9.99 22 Aug 25 Donations 90.44 26 Aug 25 Animals Feed 7.25 26 Aug 25 Sanctuary Supplies 25.5 26 Aug 25 Sanctuary Insurance 153.81 27 Aug 25 Sanctuary Supplies 25.73 03 Sep 25 Sanctuary Supplies 19.99 08 Sep 25 Vet Bills 245.71 08 Sep 25 Donations 200 15 Sep 25 Fencing Materials 215.42 18 Sep 25 Currency Conversion Fee 0.73 18 Sep 25 Sanctuary Supplies 26.69 19 Sep 25 Hay 210 19 Sep 25 Donations 160 30 Sep 25 Donations 100 01 Oct 25 Donations 50 06 Oct 25 VAT Returns 5.4 06 Oct 25 Donations 200 09 Oct 25 VAT Claims 100.19 13 Oct 25 Sanctuary Supplies 8.38 |
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| 13 Oct 25 Sanctuary Supplies 20.49 27 Oct 25 Website 38.4 31 Oct 25 Donations 102.38 03 Nov 25 Sanctuary Supplies 15.99 03 Nov 25 Sanctuary Supplies 15.99 05 Nov 25 Web Hosting 181.44 06 Nov 25 Donations 200 10 Nov 25 Sanctuary Supplies 14.09 10 Nov 25 Sanctuary Supplies 94 13 Nov 25 Sponsorships 60 17 Nov 25 Animals Feed 96.56 17 Nov 25 Web Hosting 403.2 18 Nov 25 Postage 3.6 24 Nov 25 Hay 210 08 Dec 25 Sanctuary Supplies 48.97 08 Dec 25 Donations 200 10 Dec 25 Sanctuary Camera 10.12 10 Dec 25 Sanctuary Supplies 20.89 15 Dec 25 Hay 450 15 Dec 25 Donations 43.96 23 Dec 25 Sponsorships 52 Totals 4,215.22 5,459.89 |
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