2024-12-31-accounts

Wiltshire Mid Branch Registered Charity 205295

RSPCA WILTSHIRE MID BRANCH ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31 DECEMBER 2024

This is 10 year old Parker, he is a blood donor at Estcourt Vets in Devizes and, along another dog called Thicket he provided blood which was used to produce a serum. This serum meant that Boo (a kitten abandoned in a car park with the severe effects of cat flu) was able to have eye drops that saved one of her eyes. Unfortunately, the other eye had to be removed but she is now happy and healthy and coping with life very well.

Thank you, Parker and Thicket

Contents

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Trustees Committee Contact Information

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Branch Management

OBJECTS, OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

Alleviating suffering Promoting kindness and preventing cruelty Volunteering support

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Joint Report of the Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary Collaboration with the National Society Collaboration with the community Collaboration with other Branches

Collaboration with the local Inspectors

FINANCIAL REVIEW

FUTURE PLANS

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE’S RESPONSIBILITIES

BALANCE SHEET / ACCOUNTS

As at 31[st] December 2024

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2024

CHIEF INSPECTOR’S REPORT 2024

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

The RSPCA Wiltshire Mid Branch operates in central Wiltshire, covering the four towns of Devizes, Melksham, Warminster and Westbury and the surrounding villages. It is a registered charity and its charity number is 205295 .

Trustees

The committee comprises 8 volunteers with a broad range of life experiences and careers, all sharing a common passion for animal welfare – specifically preventing cruelty, alleviating suffering and promoting kindness.

Committee

Mr. Andrew Sheppard (Chairman)

Mrs Caroline Davy (Treasurer)

Mrs. Elizabeth Davies (Secretary)

Mrs. Lesley Pawlak

Mrs. Jo Sheppard

Ms Maddy Goodman

Miss Jessica Scull

Miss Jessica Portch

Contact Information

For communication purposes the principal address is C/o Rangebourne Pet Care, 38 New Park Street, Devizes, SN10 1DT the business address of the Chairman Mr. Sheppard.

The web site is htps://www.rspca.org.uk/local/wiltshire-mid-branch/ This site shows details of how to get in touch for animal welfare purposes alongside current news and national and local campaigns/events.

The financial accounts are independently examined by Alanbrookes Group Ltd., t/a J S Weeks & Co., 10 Market Place, Devizes, SN10 1HT. Branch funds are held by Lloyds Bank PLC, Devizes.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The Branch is constituted as an unincorporated association. The Branch operates as an autonomous Branch of the National RSPCA subject to its rules for Branches. A committee of Trustees, elected at the Annual General Meeting governs the Branch. All Trustees are briefed on their responsibilities as Trustees prior to their acceptance of the role.

The Branch operates within a national network of organisations that pursue the same objectives, known collectively as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The network comprises independent Branches operating within a defined geographical area for the purposes of fundraising and the provision of animal care facilities and treatments.

A regional structure which is overseen on a national basis, brings several Branch colleagues together with Inspectors, regional and national representatives. The purpose is to discuss regional funding, co-ordinate policies and objectives as well as provide opportunities for colleagues to share knowledge and experiences.

Representatives of the Branches, regional and national organisations meet at this forum on a regular (at least bi-annual) basis.

The Branch also has links with other Branches and organisations committed to the same objectives including among others, Cats Protection, Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital, RSPCA Bath Cats and Dogs Home, Cat Action Trust, Chippenham Cat Rescue, Acorn Rescue and Compassion for Cats.

Branch Management

The Trustees meet every eight weeks to discuss progress on the year’s activities and to agree any required actions. The Branch finances are reviewed at each meeting to ensure donated funds are used appropriately and to mitigate any risks.

The Trustees also examine other operational and business risks and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate any significant risks, such as:-

1. Loss of reputation through error or fraud

2. Loss of income through error or fraud

3. Insufficient funds to cover the costs of animal welfare activities

These meetings are also used to ensure that the Branch operates in accordance with any relevant National Society rules, processes and initiatives – guided by the Branch Partnership Manager.

OBJECTS, OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

The objects of the Branch are to promote the work and objectives of the National Society of the RSPCA – to prevent animal cruelty, to promote kindness to animals and to alleviate the suffering of animals through all lawful means – with particular reference to the Branch area and in accordance with the policies of the Society.

The Trustees have reviewed the outcomes and achievements of the Branch’s objectives and activities for the year to ensure they remain focused on the charity’s aims and continue to deliver benefits to the public. The Trustees have complied with the duty under the Charities Act 1993 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission which can be illustrated as follows: -

Alleviating Suffering

A priority for the Branch is to ensure appropriate veterinary care is available for animals whose owners are on benefits or a low income and may be reluctant or anxious about the costs of seeing a vet. The Branch provides contributions towards veterinary treatment for sick or injured animals owned by local people on low incomes and on benefits through a voucher scheme.

Promotng kindness and preventng cruelty

The branch has a phone which trustees take in turns to hold and answer so that the public can ring to ask for help and advice. This is available for 12 hours a day and when not manned has a lot of useful information the public can access. We issue vouchers where we feel this is necessary to alleviate an animal’s suffering (this is only to owners who are on benefits) and always encourage owners to think about pet insurance.

The Branch also offers subsidised neutering of cats for owners on state benefits, this helps to control cat populations and promotes responsible pet ownership.

Volunteering Support

RSPCA Wiltshire Mid Branch provide volunteering opportunities for those who wish to support our work including Trusteeship, fundraising and event participation.

The Branch continues to make efforts to attract new Trustees and volunteers.

Achievements and Performance

Joint Report of Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer for 2024

2024 has been a busy and sometimes very difficult year for the trustees and volunteers who work directly with cases brought to our attention.

As you can see from our Chief Inspector’s Annual Report that the instances of animal cruelty have risen dramatically

Without the help of our inspectors and Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital it would be very difficult to continue attending animals in distress or suffering from cruelty.

Some of our cases have ended happily and the vital liaison with local vets and the hard work of our volunteers and fosterers have enabled many animals to overcome their problems and find happy homes to live out the rest of their days.

By having a presence at events such as the Melksham River Festival we hope to educate the public about the necessary care that any animal would need and advise on the best way to adopt an animal needing a home.

In June last year Estcourt Vets in Devizes helped us with our cat microchipping campaign following the new law that all cats must be microchipped.

A trustee was on site to assist the veterinary nurses and many owners were very grateful for the opportunity to get their cats microchipped at a reasonable price.

We have had some difficult and urgent cases in 2024 eg: 12 cats and 12 guinea pigs which had to be rehomed urgently due to an eviction notice imposed on their owner. Volunteers, trustees and local organisations managed to find room for them before they were rehomed.

25+ cats needed to be removed from one household so volunteers, trustees and Inspectors managed to achieve a swift removal.

We have also been supported with fund raising events such as: Chirton Primary School who raised funds for us and Coate Village Show who donated money raised at their show to us.

We would like to thank Duncan Thom and Amber Dunham who work tirelessly for the branch as volunteers particularly dealing with feral colonies of cats and fostering kittens.

We owe thanks to the following organisations who have supported us in so many ways in the last year:

Estcourt Vets, Devizes, who have gone that extra mile so many times this year.

Cats Protection, who never fail to provide any help they can however difficult it is for them. Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital, who provide us with so much support around wildlife in our area. Ginger Cat Craft who supply (among other things) loved Stinky Ferrets for our rescues to enjoy.

Compassion for Cats who have helped at the most difficult times.

Morrisons supermarket for having our food bank which has been such a help to us and the other organisations we share the contents with.

Last but not least our Inspectors who continue to support us and are always willing to advise/attend any cases concerning cruelty to animals that come our way.

The following is a breakdown of the financial costs and expenditure in relation to our work this year and supplements the end of year accounts:

£ 28,559.69 in Vet Fees in 2024

Cat Neutering Campaign.

A donation of £20 per animal was asked for and we covered the rest of the cost.

In excess of 111 cats were neutered under this scheme and £1,496 was taken in donations.

We offered a microchipping service at the cost of £5 per animal and more than 167 cats were chipped and £836 was raised through this service.

We continued to offer support and help managing feral cat communities in and outside our area and the veterinary cost of ongoing neutering requirements was met by the branch.

These are included in the total vet fees

135 vouchers were insured offering financial contributions to help support people with their vet’s fee. All people requesting vouchers were means tested in accordance with RSPCA guidelines.

Remaining vet fees were spent on branch animals

£3,300 was raised through adoption fee. (£150 per cat)

Significant donations were made following social media campaigns.

Collaboration with the National Society

It is a given that we always support the National Society objectives, where appropriate, and within our capability. Guided by our Branch Partnership Manager we use the regular Branch Communication circulations to identify opportunities to get involved.

As part of our commitment to running a properly regulated charity we have established several Branch policies and have adopted the principle of a Branch Annual Review through which we may reflect on past work and to plan future activities.

Collaboration with the Community

After a very successful outcome last year we are taking part in the Melksham River Festival this year (30[th] /31[st] ) to promote the branch and it’s work in the Melksham community. We will have a pitch at the festival with lots of information about our work and hope to engage with the public by showing them the many and varied strands that make up our work with animals and their owners. There was a huge amount of interest in our stand at last year’s festival so we hope for a similar outcome this year.

Collaboration with other Branches and Charities

As will have been seen from previous reports the Branch agreed to North Wilts Branch siting an RSPCA shop in Warminster, under the terms of the arrangement the Branch receives a percentage of the profits and all donations received, which this year amounted to £1142.08 to benefit the Mid Wilts Branch. This figure was not shown in our annual accounts as it was donated after the end of year accounts were completed.

Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital continues to receive monetary support from the Branch to assist in their work of caring for and rehabilitating local wildlife.

Collaboraton with the Local Inspectors

The RSPCA Inspectors provide knowledge and experience to the Branch which is invaluable, the wide range of issues and problems they face can be seen from the Chief Inspector’s Report included within this Report.

Fundraising

We are actively seeking to raise funds via grants and legacies with leaflets about legacies being part of our events.

Branch Awareness is a focus for the coming year with events that inform and (and hopefully involve) people in the areas we cover.

Financial Review

The total incoming resources for the year amounted to £41012.81. Expenditure for the year amounted to £38951.57.

It is the policy of the Branch to maintain free reserves for the Branch at a level equal to approximately five years’ unrestricted expenditure, to allow for fluctuations in donations and legacies on which the Branch relies. Our Trustees are keen that money should not be retained unnecessarily simply to ensure sustainability.

Free reserves are defined as unrestricted reserves (funds donated for a specific purpose which cannot be used for anything other than the purpose for which they were donated).

In line with the Branch Rules, an annual donation is made to the National Society, this amount is calculated as a percentage of our free reserves. This donation is deducted at source from our share of the Door-to-Door collection that we receive annually from the National Society.

The investment policy, taken on advice following receipt of legacies, takes into account our cautious at ude to risk, with investment funds stored in National Savings Income Bonds.

The Trustees have no designated funds for expenditure in the next twelve months, apart from an amount in the region of £5,000 which will be donated to the Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital during 2025.

Future Plans

Together with our regular and continuing support provided to those in need of financial veterinary assistance we will be at the Melksham River Festival on 30th/31[at] August and plan another Dog Show in 2025 in Devizes. We have

invested in a gazebo, tablecloth, flags and new branded clothing and we are planning to attend as many local events as possible to raise our profile across the whole of Mid Wilts.

We continue to look to increase our Volunteer / Trustee base with a view to bringing fresh ideas into the group.

We will continue to work with our local Inspectors, supporting them on specific animal welfare projects as identified by them.

We have built up really good working relationships with organisations in our area and the collaboration has both helped and enriched our work.

Statement of Trustees Responsibilites

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and their financial statements in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Law applicable to charities in England and Wales require the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. The financial statements are required by law to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs and the net incoming and outgoing resources of the Charity for that period. In preparing the financial statements, Trustees are required to: -

1. Select suitable policies and then apply them consistently;

2. Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and

3. Prepare financial statements on a going-concern basis, unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Branch will continue in operation.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that 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 1993. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open, to safeguard the assets of the Charity and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

So far as the Trustees are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Charity’s auditors are unaware. Additionally, the Trustees have taken all the steps needed in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Charity’s auditors are aware of that information.

ROYAL SOCILI TY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRIJEI LTY TO AIYIMALS WILTSHIRF MID BRANCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 205295 REPORT AND ACCOUNTS YFAR EI NDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

ROYAL SOCIETY foR THE PIiEI VEI NTION ofi CRUELTY TO ANIMALS_ WILTSHI￿ MID BRANCH Report of the Independent fi4xaminer To The Officers and Committee of Ruyal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Anim81s- Wiltshire Mi(1 Braneh I report on the accounts of the Chai'ity for the yeaT cnded 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 3 to 5. Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner The charity's ti'iistets are iEsponsible foi. tlie pi'eparatioii of tlie accouiits. The charity's trustees Lonsider tliat ali audit is not i'equiird foi. this yeai. (under section 144(2) of the Ch￿'itieS Act 2011 (the 2011 Acl)) and thal an independenl examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:_ examine the accounts (undei. section 145 of the 201 l Act). to follow tlie pi-ocedures lÉiid down in the Genei'dl Dire¢lion% given by the Charlty conii31issioiTrei's (iindei. seLtioii 145{5){b) of tlie 2011 Acl). and to state whethei. pai'licular mallers have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examiner's Report My examination was cariied out in accoi'danee with the Gencral Dii'ections given by the Chai'ity Cornmissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting recoi-ds kept by the charity and a comparison of tlie accounts pi'esented with those recoi'ds. It also includes Lonsideration of any unusual itenis or disclosures in the accounts, and secking explanations from you as li'ustees concei'ning any such inattcrs. The pi'occdures undertaken do not provide all tlie evidence that would be requircd in an audit, and Lonsequently I do not cxpi'ess an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent xaminer?s Statement In conncetion with my exainination, no mattel. has come to my attention: which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material rcspect the requirements.. to keep accounting Tecords in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act, and to pi'epare accoiints which accord with the accounting i'ecoiQs and comply with th¢ accounting reqiiirements ofthe 2011 Act, have not been met- oi. 2. to which, iii my opinion, attei)tion should be drawn in order to enable a propel. understanding of the accounts to be irached. Mi's A M Cross FCCA The Alanbrookes Gi'oup Ltd tla J S Weeks & Co l O Mai'ket Place Devizes Willsliire SNIO IHT 8 May 2025

ROYAL SOCIEI'Y FOR TIIE PREI VENTION OF CRUEL'fY TO ANIMALS - WILTSHIRE MID BRANCH 11A1,ANCF. .8HFET AS AI. 31 DECLMBEI R 2024 2023 2024 Aeeumulated Fund Balance Bi'ought Foi'ward 106,463.43 102,378.93 Add Siitylus of Income Over Expcnditure 2,061.24 Deduct Excess of ExpendituiE Over Incojnc (4,084.50) 102,378.93 104,440.17 Represented By: Investments National Savings Income Bonds B¢iiik Deposit Account 105,000.00 4,067.47 92,000.00 17,202.99 Current Assets B<ink Cu￿¢nt Account 3.775.48 4,104.66 112,842.95 (10,464.02) 113,307.65 (8,867.48) Less... Creditors 102,378.93 104,440.17

ROYAL SOCKEI TY fi OR TIIEI PRE< VEI NTION of4 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS - WII.TSHIRE MID BRANCH INC()ME AND F.xpr.Nl)ITURE ACC()UNT YEI AR ENDED 31 DLCLMBER 2024 2023 INCOME 2024 6,165.94 Subsci'iptions and Donations Adoptions Shop - Donations Chipping and Neuteiing Legacies Grants Doorto Door Collection 5,770.14 3,700.00 683.50 2,495.00 2,000.00 1,500.00 21,816.10 6,000.00 23,094.00 35,943.44 37,281.24 Investment Ineon)e Interest Received 3,225.21 3,731.57 39,168.65 41,012.81

ROYAL SOClfi,TY fi ()R 'I'HF, PRF.VENTION OF CIIUEI LTY TO ANIMALS . WIL'fsTrJiiiL MID IIIIANCI.I INCOME AND Fxpfi NDITURF, AC.COUNT Y£4 AR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 2023 XPENDII'URI 2024 551.00 12,580.83 11,818.27 6.178.07 2,237.92 764.32 360.00 238.39 7,500.00 Branch Contribution lo RSPCA Veleriiiaiy Fees Neutci'iiig Campaigiis I,eral NeuteringlRchoming Fei'al TNR Fxpensc8 Good% Purchased Indepeiident Bxaminei s Fees l elephoiic Wildlifc I-lospital Mileage Sundries Room Hire ICO Fees Insurance 551.00 28,559.69 2,320.01 360.00 165.18 5,000.00 1,295.10 354.82 95.00 72.00 35.00 822.35 35.00 310.77 43,253.15 38,951.57 Surplus of Income over Expenditw'e Caii'ied to Accumulated Fund 2,061.24 Excess of Expcndiliire ovei. Income Catyied to Accumulated Fund (4,084.50) 39,168.65 41,012.81

ROYAL SOCILI TY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRIJEI LTY TO AIYIMALS WILTSHIRF MID BRANCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 205295 REPORT AND ACCOUNTS YFAR EI NDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

ROYAL SOCIETY foR THE PIiEI VEI NTION ofi CRUELTY TO ANIMALS_ WILTSHI￿ MID BRANCH Report of the Independent fi4xaminer To The Officers and Committee of Ruyal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Anim81s- Wiltshire Mi(1 Braneh I report on the accounts of the Chai'ity for the yeaT cnded 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 3 to 5. Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner The charity's ti'iistets are iEsponsible foi. tlie pi'eparatioii of tlie accouiits. The charity's trustees Lonsider tliat ali audit is not i'equiird foi. this yeai. (under section 144(2) of the Ch￿'itieS Act 2011 (the 2011 Acl)) and thal an independenl examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:_ examine the accounts (undei. section 145 of the 201 l Act). to follow tlie pi-ocedures lÉiid down in the Genei'dl Dire¢lion% given by the Charlty conii31issioiTrei's (iindei. seLtioii 145{5){b) of tlie 2011 Acl). and to state whethei. pai'licular mallers have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examiner's Report My examination was cariied out in accoi'danee with the Gencral Dii'ections given by the Chai'ity Cornmissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting recoi-ds kept by the charity and a comparison of tlie accounts pi'esented with those recoi'ds. It also includes Lonsideration of any unusual itenis or disclosures in the accounts, and secking explanations from you as li'ustees concei'ning any such inattcrs. The pi'occdures undertaken do not provide all tlie evidence that would be requircd in an audit, and Lonsequently I do not cxpi'ess an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent xaminer?s Statement In conncetion with my exainination, no mattel. has come to my attention: which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material rcspect the requirements.. to keep accounting Tecords in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act, and to pi'epare accoiints which accord with the accounting i'ecoiQs and comply with th¢ accounting reqiiirements ofthe 2011 Act, have not been met- oi. 2. to which, iii my opinion, attei)tion should be drawn in order to enable a propel. understanding of the accounts to be irached. Mi's A M Cross FCCA The Alanbrookes Gi'oup Ltd tla J S Weeks & Co l O Mai'ket Place Devizes Willsliire SNIO IHT 8 May 2025

ROYAL SOCIEI'Y FOR TIIE PREI VENTION OF CRUEL'fY TO ANIMALS - WILTSHIRE MID BRANCH 11A1,ANCF. .8HFET AS AI. 31 DECLMBEI R 2024 2023 2024 Aeeumulated Fund Balance Bi'ought Foi'ward 106,463.43 102,378.93 Add Siitylus of Income Over Expcnditure 2,061.24 Deduct Excess of ExpendituiE Over Incojnc (4,084.50) 102,378.93 104,440.17 Represented By: Investments National Savings Income Bonds B¢iiik Deposit Account 105,000.00 4,067.47 92,000.00 17,202.99 Current Assets B<ink Cu￿¢nt Account 3.775.48 4,104.66 112,842.95 (10,464.02) 113,307.65 (8,867.48) Less... Creditors 102,378.93 104,440.17

ROYAL SOCKEI TY fi OR TIIEI PRE< VEI NTION of4 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS - WII.TSHIRE MID BRANCH INC()ME AND F.xpr.Nl)ITURE ACC()UNT YEI AR ENDED 31 DLCLMBER 2024 2023 INCOME 2024 6,165.94 Subsci'iptions and Donations Adoptions Shop - Donations Chipping and Neuteiing Legacies Grants Doorto Door Collection 5,770.14 3,700.00 683.50 2,495.00 2,000.00 1,500.00 21,816.10 6,000.00 23,094.00 35,943.44 37,281.24 Investment Ineon)e Interest Received 3,225.21 3,731.57 39,168.65 41,012.81

ROYAL SOClfi,TY fi ()R 'I'HF, PRF.VENTION OF CIIUEI LTY TO ANIMALS . WIL'fsTrJiiiL MID IIIIANCI.I INCOME AND Fxpfi NDITURF, AC.COUNT Y£4 AR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 2023 XPENDII'URI 2024 551.00 12,580.83 11,818.27 6.178.07 2,237.92 764.32 360.00 238.39 7,500.00 Branch Contribution lo RSPCA Veleriiiaiy Fees Neutci'iiig Campaigiis I,eral NeuteringlRchoming Fei'al TNR Fxpensc8 Good% Purchased Indepeiident Bxaminei s Fees l elephoiic Wildlifc I-lospital Mileage Sundries Room Hire ICO Fees Insurance 551.00 28,559.69 2,320.01 360.00 165.18 5,000.00 1,295.10 354.82 95.00 72.00 35.00 822.35 35.00 310.77 43,253.15 38,951.57 Surplus of Income over Expenditw'e Caii'ied to Accumulated Fund 2,061.24 Excess of Expcndiliire ovei. Income Catyied to Accumulated Fund (4,084.50) 39,168.65 41,012.81