**RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ## Annual General Meeting **RSPCA Aberconwy Branch** Tuesday 26[th] October 2021, 18:30 **Ty Llywelyn, Ffordd Yr Orsedd, Llandudno LL30 1LA** Registered Charity: 224340 **RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ## **AGENDA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TUESDAY 26[th] October 2021 – 18:30** ## **Ty Llywelyn Community Centre, Ffordd Yr Orsedd, Llandudno LL30 1LA.** - 1) Welcome - 2) Apologies for absence - 3) Approval of minutes of 2018 AGM - 4) Matter Arising - 5) Presentation of examined accounts for year ending 2019 and 2020 - 6) Appointment of branch auditor/independent examiner - 7) Committee’s report - 8) Election of Committee - 9) Consideration of resolutions - 10) Group Inspectorate Report - 11) Bryn Y Maen Animal Centre Report - 12) Presentation by Sally Hyman about Llys Nini Branch - 13) Closing remarks Registered Charity: 224340 **RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals # **Notice calling an annual general meeting of the RSPCA Aberconwy Branch** Registered charity no: 224340 **To all members of Royal Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Aberconwy Branch the Regional Chair** **the Assistant Director- Branches and Partnerships the Operations Manager- Branches the Branch Partnership Manager** **From the Branch Chair Name** Donna Hutton **Address** 6 Broad Street **Tel no** 01492 584061 Llandudno Junction LL31 9HG **Email** AGM@rspca-aberconwy.org.uk You are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held on 26[th] October 2021 at 18:30 at Ty Llywelyn, Ffordd Yr Orsedd, Llandudno LL30 1LA. Alternatively the meeting will be streamed online for those members preferring to join via video conferencing. If you would be interested in this option, please contact AGM@rspca-aberconwy.org.uk for guidance as to how to access the meeting online. ## **Agenda** 1. Opening address and welcome 8. Committee election 2. Apologies for absence 9. Consideration of resolutions 3. Approval of minutes of last AGM 10. Group Inspectorate Report 4. Matters arising 11. Bryn y Maen Animal Centre Report 5. To receive the accounts for the last financial year 12. Closing remarks 6. Appointment of auditor/independent examiner - , 7. To receive the committee’s report Due to the COVID pandemic the branch was unable to hold an AGM in 2020. Therefore, financial accounts for both 2019 and 2020 will be available at the AGM or can be requested by members by emailing AGM@rspcaaberconwy.org.uk to request a digital copy. Resolutions and nominations for the committee election must be received by the branch secretary by 16[th] October 2021. A nomination form can be requested by emailing AGM@rspca-aberconwy.org.uk. _Please note:_ The only branch members entitled to propose resolutions, speak, vote and be counted in the quorum at the meeting are those whose names were entered in the list of branch members more than three months before the date of the meeting. **Name** Donna Hutton - **Branch Chair** **Date** 1[st] October 2021 Registered Charity: 224340 **RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ## **RSPCA Aberconwy Branch Committee** ## **Honorary Officers:** Chair Deputy Chair Secretary Treasurer Regional Board Representative Clinic Director Friends of Bryn y Maen Paula Greenhalgh Joan Critchett Dawn Owens Jonathan Francis Paula Greenhalgh Paula Greenhalgh Joan Critchett ## **Committee/Trustees during 2019 and 2020** Johnathan Francis Mike Bird Sue Broadhurst Wendy Ashurst Dawn Owens Norman Critchett Donna Hutton Fiona Trappe Sheila Francis Zoe Meakins Paula Greenhalgh Joan Critchett Registered Charity: 224340 **RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ## **Minutes of the RSPCA Aberconwy Branch Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday 11[th] June 2019 at 19:30 at Queens Road Community Centre, Craig Y Don, Llandudno** ## **Opening address and welcome:** The chair opened the meeting by welcoming all those who had attended. ## **Apologies:** Coralie Farren, Victoria Williams, Jim Mason and Chris Cater. ## **Present:** Branch Committee members: Paula Greenhalgh, Jonathan Francis, Dawn Owen, Mike Bird, Joan Critchett, Norman Critchett, Ann Goff, Susan Broadhurst **National Society** : Carl Lloyd (Branch Support Specialist) Leanne Hardy (Chief Inspector), Victoria Williams (Animal Centre Manager). ## **Branches:** Irene Train, Sylvia Moss and Kieren Barlow ( **Colwyn and Clwyd Branch** ) Alun Rees and Ann Rees ( **West Gwynedd Branch** ) ## **Approval of minutes from last year AGM:** The chair read the minutes from last year’s AGM. Approved by Mike Bird and Seconded by Norman Critchett. ## **Matters Arising:** No matters arising. ## **Appointment of auditors:** Treasurer Jonathan Francis reported the accounts and proposed we continue using Pratt Accountants and that Mr Pratt’s services had been an advantage to the branch. This was approved by Paula Greenhalgh and seconded by Mike Bird. The treasurer stated that the door to door collections had helped greatly and thanked all the branches in North Wales for their shared joint commitment to funding the Mobile Clinic. ## **Trustees report:** The Chair read the committee’s report for the branch’s activities in 2018 ## **Election of Trustees Committee:** Voting papers were handed out to the members eligible to vote. A block vote was taken and all the trustees were re-elected. ## **Group Inspectorate Report:** Chief Inspector Leanne Hardy thanked everyone who had helped and supported the Inspectors and read through her report for the Group’s activities in 2018. ## **Bryn Y Maen Report:** Animal Centre Manager Victoria Williams thanked the Branch for its continued support and read through her report covering the activities at Bryn y Maen Animal Centre in 2018. Registered Charity: 224340 **RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ## **Meeting closed at 21:00** ## **Animal Grooming Presentation:** Emma Thomas provided a demonstration and presentation on grooming based on her experience with her local grooming business. Registered Charity: 224340 RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED ST 31 DECEMBER 2019 J PFiATh & CO LTD CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS BASFORD HOUSE. 29 AUGUSTA STREET, LLANDUDNO TELEPHONE NUMBER.10149218705751876828 FAX NO. 101492) 871049 EMAIL.. ohn ratt blconnecl.com WEBSITE.. ww.johnprattandco.co.uk RSPCA- ABERCONVIY BRANCH Independent Examiners, Report to the Commlttee Members of RSPCA Aberconwy Branch We report on the accounts ofthe Branch for the year ended 31st December 2019, which are sel out on pages 2 to 8. Respèctive re5ponsibillties of the Committee and Examiners As Committee Members you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts., you consider that the audit requirement of section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) does not apply, and that an independent examination is needed. 11 is our responsibility lo examine the accounts under section 145 of the Act as amended and to slate, on the basis of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 14515llbl of the Act. whether particular matters have come to our attention. Basis of Independent Examlners, report Our examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as committee members concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently we do nol express an audit opinion on Ihe view given by the accounts. Independent Examiners, Statement In connection with our examination, no matter has come lo our attention- which gives us reasonable cause lo believe that in any material ￿SpeCt the requirements a. lo keep accounting records in a¢¢ordance with section 130 of the Act.. and b. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Act have not been mel., or lo which, in our opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper underslanding of the accounts to be reached. J PRATh & CO LTD CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS BASFORD HOUSE 29 AUGUSTA STREET LLANDUDNO LL30 2AE I glb17o7 RSPCA - ABERCONIAIY BRANCH CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2019 2019 2018 Unrestricted Unrestricted Fund Fund Note INCOMING RESOURCES: INCOMING RESOURCES FROM GENERATED FUNDS: Voluntary income 74307 137992 Activities for generating funds 44542 37054 Investment incorne 20658 24666 INCOME RESOURCES FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 140470 124380 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 279977 324092 RESOURCES EXPENDED: COSTS OF GENERATING FUNDS 18511 12152 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 291855 288538 GOVERNANCE COSTS 940 940 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 311306 301630 Nel incoming resources {313291 22462 LESSIADD.. {Loss)IProfrt on investment unrealised 10 (13706) (17590) NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 145035) 4872 TOTAL FUNDS AT 1ST JANUARY 2019 579906 575034 TOTAL FUNDS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2019 534871 579906 RSPCA - ABERCONWY BRANCH BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2019 2019 2018 Note FIXED ASSETS: Tangible assets 157078 168713 Investments 12 215607 229313 372685 398026 CURRENT ASSETS.. Bank accounts & cash in hand 172622 191604 Debtors 13 11302 8112 183924 199716 Creditors falling due within one year 14 121738) 117834} 162186 181882 534871 579908 FUNDS: Unreslricled 15 190178 210260 Designated 15 344693 369648 534871 579908 Approved Date RSPCA - ABERCONIVY BRANCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2019 Accountlng policies 1.1 Basls of preparatlon of accounts The financial slalements are prepared under the historical cost convention with the Statement of Recommended Practice.. Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 1021 issued on 16 July 2014. The Financial Reporting Slandard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102}. 1.2 Tangible flxed assets for use by the branch and depreciation Tangible fixed assets for use by Ihe branch are slated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided al rates calculated lo wrtte off the cost or valuation of fixed assets, less Iheir estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases.. Shop & clinic fixtures and fittings Mobile clinic 20910 reducing balance method 254/0 reducing balance method Depreciation is not provided on the freehold property or the propety improvemenls a5 in Ihe opinion of the branch committee the present value of the buildings is not less than shown in the accounts. 1.3 Investments Investments are slated at market value at the Balance Sheet dale. The statement of financial activities includes the nel gains and losses arising on revaluation and disposal Ihroughout the year. 1.4 Income Voluntary incorne and donations are accounted for as received by the bran¢h. 1.5 VAT Value Added Tax is recoverable by the branch on its clinic and shop operations and is reflected in the relevant incorne and costs in Ihe statement of financial activities. 1.6 Fund raising costs Fund raising expendilure comprises costs incurred in inviting people and organisations lo contribute financialty lo the branches work. This includes the cosl of advertising for donations and Ihe staging of special fund raising events. RSPCA- ABERCONWY BRANCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2019 Voluntary Income 2019 2018 Mobile grants Contributions new mobile Legacy Donations and collection5 Subscriptions 40000 38175 12441 52515 34723 138 2355 31833 119 74307 137992 Activities for generatlng funds 2019 2018 Shop sales 44542 37054 Investsnent income 2019 2018 Interest on Government Securities Bank interest Nel flat income 15597 203 4858 21715 116 2835 20658 24666 Income from charitable activities 2019 2018 Animal clinic income Mobile clinic income 77138 63332 72114 52266 140470 124380 Cost of generating funds 2019 2018 Fundraising trading.. cost of g¢Jods sold and other costs Shop operating costs Support costs 18222 289 11253 899 18511 12152 RSPCA - ABERCONWY BRANCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2019 Charitable actlvities expendlture 2019 2018 Animal clinic Clinic wages Drugs RSPCA Trading Pet cremation services Prosped House Abaxis Trading Verifac Labels Insurance Locum vets Blood test & labs Burtons med quip Rates, Water & Power Stalionery, Postage & Internet Safe solulions Sundries HR Consultant Repairs Prof fees Vet Animal Clinic Fostering Neutering Bank charges VET inspection dictorale Safe custody Depreciation Support costs Verrfac Software Support 81137 58734 936 2860 4632 1293 463 484 3726 4232 177 2096 2013 336 966 1020 959 1670 5672 6980 1956 1617 79089 44959 2181 2774 4425 5005 986 471 5493 302 1857 1770 187 1692 539 200 6237 13919 5715 1235 350 25 69 2021 451 86 3595 623 186525 183690 Mobile clinic ex Rocket House Laptop & Printers Hall hire Drugs Lab tests Slalionery, Stamps & Mob Wages Sundries Mobile running costs- Fuel. Tax. Repairs Insurance Ground rent Depreciation Professional fees nses 21271 1962 1930 20229 2127 748 39657 624 3282 484 .516 42162 2107 227 39476 603 3659 471 11566 1445 15421 200 105330 104847 291855 288537 RSPCA - ABERCONWY BRANCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2019 Allocation of support Costs Allocated to Charitable Activities Allocated To Fundraising 2019 2018 Cost of meetings Accountancy fees Branch contribution 271 39 310 2494 2000 1750 250 2000 2021 289 2310 4494 Support costs are allocated on the basis of full-time equivalent staff numbers. Governance costs 2019 2018 Independent examiner's fee 940 940 10. Investments 2019 2018 Market value al 1 sl January 2019 Nel investment Ilossesllgains 229313 246903 1137061 1175901 Market value at 31 sl December 2019 215607 229313 11. Tangible fixed assets for use by the branch Freehold Fixtures & Propety Fillings Mobile Clini¢ Total Cosl Al 1 January 2019 Additions 122104 9899 86424 218427 Al 31 December 2019 122104 989g 86424 218427 Depreciation At 1 January 2019 Charge for year 9554 69 40160 11566 49714 11635 At 31 December 2019 9623 51726 61349 Nel book values At 31 December 2019 122104 274 34698 157078 At 310ecember 2018 122104 345 46264 168713 RSPCA - ABERCONWY BRANCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2019 12. Investments 2019 2018 Treasury Stotk 215607 229313 13. Debtors 2019 2018 VAT Income Tax Donations - Mobile clinic 214 11302 7898 11302 8112 14. Creditors: amounts falling due wlthln one year 2019 2018 VAT Creditors Accruals 16201 2357 3180 15164 2670 21738 17834 15. Analysis of net assets between the funds Unreslri¢ted Designated Fund Fund Total Tangible Fixed Assets Investments Nel Current Assets 157078 157078 215607 215607 129086 162186 33100 190178 344693 534871 The assets in the designated fund have been set aside lo meet the future funding of the Animal Welfare Clinic, 6 Broad Street. Llandudno Junction. ## **RSPCA - ABERCONWY BRANCH** ## **Independent Examiners’ Report to the Committee Members of RSPCA Aberconwy Branch** We report on the accounts of the Branch for the year ended 31st December 2020, which are set out on pages 2 to 8. ## **Respective responsibilities of the Committee and Examiners** As Committee Members you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that the audit requirement of section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) does not apply, and that an independent examination is needed. It is our responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the Act as amended and to state, on the basis of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145(5)(b) of the Act, whether particular matters have come to our attention. ## **Basis of Independent Examiners’ report** Our examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as committee members concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently we do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. ## Independent Examiners’ Statement In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention: 1. which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements - a. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Act: and - b. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Act have not been met; or 2. to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. J PRATT & CO LTD CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS BASFORD HOUSE 29 AUGUSTA STREET LLANDUDNO LL30 2AE ………………………….. Date 1 ## **RSPCA - ABERCONWY BRANCH** ## **CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2020** |||2020|2019| |---|---|---|---| |||Unrestricted|Unrestricted| |||Fund|Fund| ||Note|£|£| |**INCOMING RESOURCES:**|||| |**INCOMING RESOURCES FROM**|||| |**GENERATED FUNDS:**|||| |Voluntary income|2|124518|74307| |Activities for generating funds|3|20599|44542| |Investment income|4|19411|20658| |**INCOME RESOURCES FROM**|||| |**CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES**|5|37470|140470| |||------------|------------| |**TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES**||201998|279977| |||------------|------------| |**RESOURCES EXPENDED:**|||| |**COSTS OF GENERATING FUNDS**|6|7442|18511| |**CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES**|7|217934|291855| |**GOVERNANCE COSTS**|9|940|940| |||------------|------------| |**TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED**||226316|311306| |||------------|------------| |Net incoming resources||(24318)|(31329)| |LESS/ADD: (Loss)/Profit on|||| |investment unrealised|10|(13901)|(13706)| |||------------|------------| |NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS||(38219)|(45035)| |**TOTAL FUNDS AT 1ST JANUARY 2020**||534871|579906| |||------------|------------| |**TOTAL FUNDS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2020**||496652|534871| |||------------|------------| 2 ## **RSPCA - ABERCONWY BRANCH** ## **BALANCE SHEET** ## **AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2020** ||||2020||2019| |---|---|---|---|---|---| ||Note|£|£|£|£| |**FIXED ASSETS:**|||||| |Tangible assets|11||148348||157078| |Investments|12||201706||215607| ||||-----------||------------| ||||350054||372685| |**CURRENT ASSETS:**|||||| |Bank accounts & cash in hand||137376||172622|| |Debtors|13|14302||11302|| |||-----------||-----------|| |||151678||183924|| |Creditors falling due within|||||| |one year|14|(5080)||(21738)|| |||-----------||-----------|| ||||146598||162186| ||||-----------||-----------| ||||496652||534871| ||||-----------||-----------| |**FUNDS:**|||||| |Unrestricted|15||192636||190178| |Designated|15||304016||344693| ||||-----------||-----------| ||||496652||534871| ||||-----------||-----------| Approved …………………………………………… Date …………………………………………… 3 **RSPCA - ABERCONWY BRANCH** ## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2020** ## **1. Accounting policies** ## **1.1 Basis of preparation of accounts** - The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014. The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). - **1.2 Tangible fixed assets for use by the branch and depreciation** Tangible fixed assets for use by the branch are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases: Shop & clinic fixtures and fittings 20% reducing balance method Mobile clinic 25% reducing balance method Depreciation is not provided on the freehold property or the property improvements as in the opinion of the branch committee the present value of the buildings is not less than shown in the accounts. ## **1.3 Investments** Investments are stated at market value at the Balance Sheet date. The statement of financial activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluation and disposal throughout the year. ## **1.4 Income** Voluntary income and donations are accounted for as received by the branch. ## **1.5 VAT** Value Added Tax is recoverable by the branch on its clinic and shop operations and is reflected in the relevant income and costs in the statement of financial activities. ## **1.6 Fund raising costs** Fund raising expenditure comprises costs incurred in inviting people and organisations to contribute financially to the branches work. This includes the cost of advertising for donations and the staging of special fundraising events. 4 ## **RSPCA - ABERCONWY BRANCH** ## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2020** |**2.**|**Voluntary Income**||| |---|---|---|---| |||2020|2019| |||£|£| ||CCBC Grants|26000|-| ||Furlough|32967|-| ||Mobile grants|40000|40000| ||Legacy|-|2355| ||Donations and collections|25251|31833| ||Subscriptions|300|119| |||-----------|-----------| |||124518|74307| |||-----------|-----------| |**3.**|**Activities for generating funds**||| |||2020|2019| |||£|£| ||Shop sales|20599|44542| |||-----------|-----------| |**4.**|**Investment income**||| |||2020|2019| |||£|£| ||Interest on Government Securities|15623|15597| ||Bank interest|76|203| ||Net flat income|3712|4858| |||-----------|-----------| |||19411|20658| |||-----------|-----------| |**5.**|**Income from charitable activities**||| |||2020|2019| |||£|£| ||Animal clinic income|30120|77138| ||Mobile clinic income|7350|63332| |||-----------|-----------| |||37470|140470| |||-----------|-----------| |**6.**|**Cost of generating funds**||| |||2020|2019| |||£|£| ||Fundraising trading: cost of goods sold and other costs||| ||Shop operating costs|4993|18222| ||Support costs|2449|289| |||-----------|-----------| |||7442|18511| |||-----------|-----------| 5 ## **RSPCA - ABERCONWY BRANCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2020** ## **7. Charitable activities expenditure** |**haritable activities expenditure**||| |---|---|---| ||2020|2019| ||£|£| |Animal clinic||| |Redundancy|9606|-| |Clinic wages|75582|81137| |Drugs|26654|58734| |RSPCA Trading|1120|936| |Pet cremation services|848|2860| |Prospect House|1200|4632| |Abaxis Trading|2294|1293| |Verifac Labels|450|463| |Insurance|1204|484| |Locum vets|758|3726| |Blood test & labs|1556|4232| |Burtons med quip|213|177| |Rates, Water & Power|1545|2096| |Stationery, Postage & Internet|1277|2013| |Safe solutions|683|336| |Sundries|455|966| |HR Consultant|1080|1020| |Repairs|817|959| |Prof fees|440|1670| |Vet Animal Clinic|7091|5672| |Fostering|940|6980| |Neutering|2701|1956| |Bank charges|1348|1617| |Safe custody|25|25| |Depreciation|55|69| |Support costs|14696|2021| |Verifac Software Support|451|451| ||-----------|-----------| ||155089|186525| ||-----------|-----------| |Mobile clinic expenses||| |Rocket House – Note 16|10411|21271| |Laptop & Printers|2031|1962| |Hall hire|861|1930| |Drugs|7880|20229| |Lab tests|-|2127| |Stationery, Stamps & Mob|716|748| |Wages|21463|39657| |Sundries|393|624| |Mobile running costs – Fuel, Tax, Repairs|3177|3282| |Insurance|576|484| |Ground rent|-|5| |Depreciation|8675|11566| |Professional fees|440|1445| |HR Consultant|720|-| |Locum Vets|5120|-| |Repairs|382|-| ||-----------|-----------| ||62845|105330| ||-----------|-----------| ||217934|291855| ||-----------|-----------| 6 ## **RSPCA - ABERCONWY BRANCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2020** ## **8. Allocation of support costs** ||Allocated to|Allocated|2020|2019| |---|---|---|---|---| ||Charitable|To||| ||Activities|Fundraising||| ||£|£|£|£| |Cost of meetings|-|-|-|310| |Branch contribution|14696|2449|17145|2000| ||-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------| ||14696|2449|17145|2310| ||-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------| Support costs are allocated on the basis of full-time equivalent staff numbers. ## **9. Governance costs** |**9.**|**Governance costs**||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |||||2020|2019| |||||£|£| ||Independent examiner’s fee|||940|940| |||||-----------|-----------| |**10.**|**Investments**||||| |||||2020|2019| |||||£|£| ||Market value at 1st January 2020|||215607|229313| ||Net investment (losses)/gains|||(13901)|(13706)| |||||-----------|-----------| ||Market value at 31st December 2020|||201706|215607| |||||-----------|-----------| |**11.**|**Tangible fixed assets for use by the branch**||||| |||Freehold|Fixtures &|Mobile|| |||Property|Fittings|Clinic|Total| |||£|£|£|£| ||Cost||||| ||At 1 January 2020|122104|9899|86424|218427| ||Additions|-|-|-|-| |||-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------| ||At 31 December 2020|122104|9899|86424|218427| |||-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------| ||Depreciation||||| ||At 1 January 2020|-|9623|51726|61349| ||Charge for year|-|55|8675|8730| |||-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------| ||At 31 December 2020|-|9678|60401|70079| |||-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------| ||Net book values||||| ||At 31 December 2020|122104|221|26023|148348| |||-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------| ||At 31 December 2019|122104|274|34698|157076| |||-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------| 7 ## **RSPCA - ABERCONWY BRANCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2020** |**12.**|**Investments**|||| |---|---|---|---|---| ||||2020|2019| ||||£|£| ||Treasury Stock||201706|215607| ||||-----------|-----------| |**13.**|**Debtors**|||| ||||2020|2019| ||||£|£| ||CCBC Grants||3000|-| ||Donations - Mobile clinic||11302|11302| ||||-----------|-----------| ||||14302|11302| ||||-----------|-----------| |**14.**|**Creditors: amounts falling due within one**|**year**||| ||||2020|2019| ||||£|£| ||VAT||537|16201| ||Creditors||1833|2357| ||Accruals||2710|3180| ||||-----------|-----------| ||||5080|21738| ||||-----------|-----------| |**15.**|**Analysis of net assets between the funds**|||| |||Unrestricted|Designated|| |||Fund|Fund|Total| |||£|£|£| ||Tangible Fixed Assets|148348|-|148348| ||Investments|-|201706|201706| ||Net Current Assets|44288|102309|146597| |||-----------|-----------|-----------| |||192636|304015|496651| |||-----------|-----------|-----------| |**16.**|**Analysis of Rocket House Expenditure**|||| ||||2020|2019| ||||£|£| ||Building work||1721|20021| ||Rates||388|-| ||Phone||165|-| ||Website||308|-| ||Vets Society||24|-| ||Gavin – Accommodation||1500|-| ||Office Rent||6305|1250| ||||------------|------------| ||||10411|21271| ||||------------|------------| The assets in the designated fund have been set aside to meet the future funding of the Animal Welfare Clinic, 6 Broad Street, Llandudno Junction. 8 **RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ## **Trustee Report 2019/2020** The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the years ending 31 December 2019 and 31 December 2020. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' issued in March 2005. ## **Structure, Governance and Management** The RSPCA Aberconwy Branch is an unincorporated charitable association and a separately registered branch of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (the Society), carrying out its direct animal welfare work throughout its territory from Llandudno in the North and Cwm Penmachno in the South, and from Llanfairfechan in the West and Bryn y Maen to the East. Registered Charity: 224340 **RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals The charity is controlled by its governing document and constitutes an unincorporated charity. The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. ## **Objectives and Activities** The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Aberconwy Branch is run to help prevent cruelty and to aid sick and injured animals within its local area. As part of the Wales, we also support financial initiatives within Wales in consultation with the Branch Committee. The trustees have reviewed the outcomes and achievements of our objectives and activities for the year, to ensure they remain focused on our charitable aims, and continue to deliver benefits to the public. **We have complied with the duty under the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Commission.** ## **Achievements and Performance** What a nice change it is for all of us to actually meet in person! It would be somewhat of an understatement to say it’s been an eventful couple of years since we last were able to hold and AGM so I’ll do my best to cover some of the main activities of the branch during that period. ## **2019** ## **Llandudno Junction Welfare Clinic** Our clinic in Llandudno Junction represent the front line of our animal welfare work. Pet owners on means tested benefits or low income are able to access subsidised veterinary services to help ensure their pets get the treatment they need. The clinic is only possible thanks to the team of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to keep its doors open, so huge thanks goes to Pam, Kelly, Nan, Jan, Alison, Ann and all the people that made the clinic possible this year. In 2019, the clinic held 3 weekly surgeries (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) seeing a total of 2,494 animals (1756 dogs, 698 cats, 15 rabbits and 25 others). In addition, the branch also neutered 219 animals (41 dogs, 172 cats, 1 rabbit and 1 other) and microchipped 24 animals (16 dogs and 8 cats). In addition to our in-house services at the clinic, the branch also offers support to local animal owners who find themselves either in urgent need of surgical treatment for their pets or simply need help neutering their animals. To address this need, the branch also runs a Welfare Assistance Voucher Scheme that contributes towards the cost of treatment for eligible pet owners. In 2019, 46 of these vouchers were issued ranging from £30 to £150. Registered Charity: 224340 **RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ## **North Wales Mobile Clinic** The mobile clinic has continued to expand and now visits 8 venues across 5 branch areas in North Wales. Jim, Jan and the team of volunteers have allowed the 5 branches to place this valuable service precisely where it is needed, helping those animals most in need of veterinary services that are potentially the least able to access it. The running of such a far reaching mobile service like this is not cheap and would today be beyond the reach of a single branch, so a special thanks must also go out to the various trustees of West Gwynedd, Anglesey, Clwyd & Colwyn and Wrexham Branch that jointly operate this service and commit funds to make it possible. Thank you! In 2019, Aberconwy Branch had one venue in its branch area (Llandudno Rugby Club) which treated more than 400 animals at its once a week venue. If you’d like to learn more about the mobile clinic, please visit www.rspcamobileclinic.org.uk. ## **Rehoming** Although our capacity to house animals is limited, the team also managed to take into care 30 cats throughout the year. Through the development of our fostering team, Kelly was able to provide critical spaces for these cats helping them to adjust to their new environment and receive the treatment they needed before ultimately finding their forever homes. Happily, all 30 found new homes which again was only possible due the dedication of the clinic and fostering teams. In total the branch spent £6,980 on its fostering programme (veterinary treatment, food, accommodation etc) equating to approximately £230 per cat. ## **Regional Collaboration** The branch also continues to support collaborative working both through the first of its kind inter-branch mobile clinic and its ongoing contribution to the Regional Wales Board. A few of the projects the branch contributes to include the Inspectorate Welfare Vouchers that allow Inspectors to issue direct financial support to those that need it, the Emergency Boarding Fund for Inspectors to provide a safe environment for animals they rescue before they can be transferred to RSPCA facilities as well as the joint Cats Protection RSPCA Cat Neutering Scheme. As a jointly funded scheme, the Cats Protection RSPCA collaboration allows eligible low income cat owners to neuter and microchip their cats for just £5 and has been unparalleled in its success in neutering cats and helping to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies. The scheme is offered across Wales and has to date neutered well over 11,000 cats. In 2019, 172 cats from our branch area were able to take advantage of this scheme. ## **Charity Shop** The branch’s various services are all dependent on the branch’s ability to raise funds to support them which we in large part achieve through the tireless efforts of the charity shop team in Craig y Don. The branch has appointed a shop manager (Nicky) who’s remit has been to support the volunteer team and help us maximise Registered Charity: 224340 **RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals the profitability of the shop which in 2019 raised £44,542 (an increase of over 20% from 2018). This achievement was only possible thanks to the dedication of the volunteer team that give up so much of their time to keep the doors open. So a big thank you to Nicky, Sue Broadhurst, Beryl Jones, Cath Gadsby, Linda Kopacz, Lynn Coulson, Nora Jones, Pauline Maylott and Sue Burland. ## **2020** ## **Llandudno Junction Welfare Clinic** The arrival of the pandemic presented a significant challenge for the branch. We were able to keep the Llandudno Junction clinic and the mobile running for the first few months of the year, but with the arrival of the first lockdown decided we had to place the safety of our staff, volunteers and clients first and therefore closed the clinics until we were permitted to provide a safe working environment. During the 8 months the two clinics were closed, the team at Clwyd & Colwyn Branch (who were able to continue to offer a limited service) kindly agreed to offer our clients an emergency temporary service until we were once again operational. A special thanks therefore must go to Kieren Barlow his clinical team and the Trustees of Clwyd & Colwyn Branch for making this possible. We were eventually able to re-open both clinics in November offering appointment only COVID secure services. In light of this reduced service, the clinic was only able to treat 565 animals (425 dogs, 132 cats, 1 rabbit and 7 others) and neuter 138 (18 dogs, 116 cats, 1 rabbit and 3 others). Not surprisingly we saw a 78% drop in the number of clients we were able to see in 2020 compared with the previous year. The clinic team worked tirelessly to create a safe environment for our clients, volunteers and staff and it is only because of these efforts that we have been able to once again offer our services. Thank you! Despite the pandemic, we were able to continue to offer our Welfare Assistance Voucher Scheme and to that end was able to fund £5,108 worth of treatments for local animals. Registered Charity: 224340 **RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals _Figure 1: Animals treated, neutered, microchipped and rehomed 2010 – 2021_ ## **North Wales Mobile Clinic** Similarly, the mobile clinic trustee group felt they had no other option than to close the service at the end of March 2020. As the service by its very nature represented significant risk (i.e. travelling around potentially serving as a vector for the virus) the group felt it was only safe to re-open the service in January 2021. However, it did give the trustees a valuable opportunity to restructure the service to ensure that when we did re-open, we could offer a robust service that had the capacity to grow and develop in response to the needs in North Wales. To that end two additional vets joined Jim and the team (Llinos and Kathy!) as well as a new Clinic Supervisor (Lee). A special welcome to the new team members and thanks to you all for enduring these challenging times! The team have been eager to get started and excited to realise the potential of this ground-breaking service. In 2020, the service was only able to see 36 animals between January and March at the Llandudno venue (representing a 91% reduction in numbers to 2019). Registered Charity: 224340 **RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals _Figure 2: Animals treated by venue 2015 - 2021_ ## **Rehoming** Our capacity to take in animals and manage a fostering network was also severely restricted by the pandemic. As such, in 2020 we were only able to take in and rehome 3 cats. ## **Regional Collaboration** Many of the regional schemes the branch contributes to were also impacted by the pandemic but Inspectors continued to respond to priority cases of animal cruelty and suffering. The joint Cats Protection RSPCA Cat Neutering Scheme also continued to operate and in 2020 neutered 116 cats from our branch area. ## **Charity Shop** Our shop was also closed for various periods during the year as a result of COVID. This meant our income generating capacity was also severely depleted resulting in a 53% reduction in sales. Once again despite the challenges of 2020, the tenacity and commitment to animal welfare of the charity shop team was unwavering and our thanks and gratitude goes out to the entire team. ## **Branch Restructure** Over the past 7 years, the RSPCA Aberconwy Branch has consistently run at a deficit typically spending more on the provision of its services than it generates through fundraising and income generation. Registered Charity: 224340 **RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals **----- Start of picture text -----**
RSPCA Aberconwy - Annual Income and Expenditure
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_Figure 1: Income and expenditure between 2013 and 2019_ While the cost of providing the branch services has steadily risen, the income generated (with the exception of 2018 when a legacy was secured for the new mobile clinic) has consistently shown an average shortfall of £22,600 per year. This has impacted the Branch’s reserves and in 2019 the trustees of the branch decided to take action to address this trend. Since 2019, the trustees have spent a considerable amount of time and effort developing a strategy for the branch that they feel will both address this trend and safeguard the future of the charity while increasing both its scope and efficiency of its operations. This work culminated in the trustees meeting with all staff on 23[rd] July 2020 to outline the proposed new branch structure and to invite feedback from all branch staff. All of the feedback was gratefully received and was systematically reviewed and considered by the trustees before any changes to the original proposal were made where appropriate. The branch is confident that through the combined input from all staff and trustees that there is now a positive, financially balanced and progressive structure for the branch to grow. Underpinning the proposal is a new organisational structure which consists of: - 1 x Operations Manager – Carl Lloyd - 1 x Clinic Vet – Alison Holdam - 1 x Clinic & Rehoming Supervisor Registered Charity: 224340 **RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals While the re-structuring of the branch was a much needed step the trustees had to take, it did sadly also mean the loss of two long standing members of staff, Pam Wilson and Lowri Kneale. Pam has played an integral role within the branch for many years contributing to almost every aspect of the branch’s activities. She worked as the clinic manager, organised fundraising events, helped at the charity shop and fostered animals on behalf of the branch to name just a few. Lowri has also been a much valued member of the clinic veterinary team ensuring that we could continue to offer the very best veterinary services through her professionalism, expertise and work ethic. The branch would like to thank both of these individuals for the amazing contribution they have both made to the branch over the years and wish them the very best of success with their future endeavours. ## **Reserves policy** The Branch holds reserves in order that the service level provided for animal welfare is maintained should there be a reduction in incoming resources. Reserves are those funds that are freely available for general purposes and are uncommitted. Registered Charity: 224340 **RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ## **Wales and West Group 6 Annual Report 2019** ## **Group Statistics** ||| |---|---| |Complaints Resolved|2,264+| |Advice only|811+| |Warning Notices|41+| |Cases Submitted|21+| |Adult Written Cautions|5+| |Court Convictions|12+| |Collections and Rescues Resolved|2,097+| |Total Number of Markets Visited|397| |Total Number of Market Animals Seen|517,388| (The + denotes statistics up to October. The last two months of the year were captured on Wilberforce and so not currently available as a report.) 2019 has been a challenging year for WW6. There have been a number of changes throughout the year that the team has met with continued professionalism. We have had three experienced inspectors join us from elsewhere. Inspector Nayman Dunderdale, Inspector Lucy De Havilland and Inspector Becky Jeffery. All three officers have served nearly 70 years between them, before coming to our group! A fantastic wealth of experience to share with colleagues. This brings the team to a total of 15 officers full and part time, including the Market inspectors. The biggest change for WW6 came toward the end of the year. The transition to a new way of scheduling and tasking the work all our frontline staff do. Wilberforce. This has replaced the old TAILS system, which was long overdue. Officers now no longer have a patch or list of jobs. Their day is organised by staff, at the NCC hub, who have sight of all the work that comes in and the monumental task of getting it out to the field. The system is a totally new way of working and will take time to bed in, with updates and improvements ongoing as it is developed to suit our needs. Members of the Wales and West 6 group are often called upon to rescue birds and animals from water situations. This is often hazardous and high risk. In order to carry out these rescues safely and effectively staff members are trained to an Internationally recognised standard as Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technicians. Every 2 years it is necessary to recertify by attending a 5 day course based in Plas Y Brenin. The most recent course was held in January in freezing conditions! A chilly start to the year indeed! Registered Charity: 224340 **RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Once again the RSPCA teamed up with the North Wales Wildlife Trust to organise a coordinated beach clean at Cable Bay on Anglesey also in January. Lots of people came and worked together to clear a lot of harmful marine litter from this beautiful stretch of coastline. In March, the new barn at Bryn Y Maen was used to host an evening for local vets and vet nurses to learn more about wildlife casualties. The talk was given by Bev Panto, head vet from Stapeley Grange. It was a good turn out, with over 40 people. A big thanks to the friends of Bryn Y Maen for letting us host the evening. It was extremely interesting and valuable. Thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. ## **Cases and Complaints of note** April saw Inspector Jenny Anderton report on the outcome of one of her cases - two people who received sentencing in 2018 had appealed their ban to the crown court. The original sentence was a ban for keeping horses, dogs and cats - (one for 5 years and one for 8 years), as well as fines, orders and a suspended prison sentence for one of the defendants. Multiple charges of animal welfare act offences had been brought against them in the original case, but they only pleaded guilty to a small amount of the charges. The appeal was heard during this month and the original ban from keeping horses dogs and cats was increased by the crown court to include all animals. Additional fines were also issued in respect to the costs incurred from the appeal. This was a great result and justice for the animals involved and the hard work the officer and her colleagues had put into the original case. A gorgeous young Collie dog was dumped at the Rhyl Clinic in May, after his owner could no longer afford the veterinary treatment for an injury to its right foot that it received in a road traffic collision. Although the owner acted inappropriately by just dumping the dog without leaving any details ultimately he did do the best thing albeit he should have acted sooner. Inspector Rachael Davies transported the dog to Mochdre Vets on behalf of the clinic where he received his treatment and we believe has found his forever home. Information was received to confirm the original owner was in prison for unrelated offences. ## **Rope rescue** Inspector Roberts, Dunderdale, Anderton and ACO Lloyd Williams were asked to help out with a rope rescue in Pembrokeshire in April. 65 sheep had gone over a sea cliff and a massive operation calling on all available rope rescue trained officers took place. It took two weeks to get all the sheep and the WW6 officers were present on the final day of the rescue, when the remaining 23 sheep were rescued. A sea boat was utilised to remove them to safety. This was a truly challenging and remarkable operation and thanks to all involved for the successful outcome. Inspector Broadbent reported on a rope rescue of a lamb above Bryn Pydew, Llandudno in June “The 4wk old lamb had become separated from its mother and slipped around 12’ down a 100’ cliff face and landed on a steep ivy covered ledge. It slipped down yesterday but due to the fact that it was still suckling from its mother, who was calling distressed from the top, we decided to rescue it ASAP. Will Galvin and Ann Lloyd Williams abseiled down to Registered Charity: 224340 **RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals the ledge and successfully grabbed the lamb before reuniting it with its grateful mother. It immediately began to suckle and feed as it had grown quite quiet.” Andy broadbent and Vicki Taylor (from WW1) assisted from above. ## **Flood Rescue** In June we had flooding to deal with. Inspectors Phil Lewis, Mike Pugh and Mark Roberts and ACO William Galvin were called to ewes and lambs stranded on high ground between a fast flowing river and a flooded field with the water flowing quickly through it. The job had previously been assessed by Inspector Jenny Anderton who met with the owners of the sheep and took video footage of the situation which she sent out to the rescue team. On arrival the team met with owners and some friends of theirs who run a water sports centre in Bala and had brought an inflatable raft with them. The team took up positions close to a semi submerged fence and the raft was paddled across by the raft team. The sheep began to move and for a while it looked like they would make it across the flooded field by themselves. Then the current took them. The team by the fence then moved in and several of the ewes and lambs were either carried or guided to safety. The rest managed to make their own way to the banks. One lamb had to be taken back to the farm to be warmed before being returned to mum. ## **Collections of note** In February, Inspector Lewis dealt with a badger in Chirk that sadly had been hit by a car. It had very unusual colouring - erythristic, meaning it lacks the black pigment in it’s fur through a genetic mutation. The mutation is quite rare throughout the UK, with North Shropshire having more sightings than other areas of erythristic badgers. The animal was transferred to Stapeley to make a full recovery before being returned to where it was found. In July Inspector Phil Lewis was called to an incident where a lamb had gone down a culvert or storm drain. Luckily it ended up right below a roadside drain on the A494 in High Street, Bala, where it was spotted and brought to our attention. The police controlled traffic while highways removed the drain cover. Phil was able to prevent the lamb going back up the culvert and then pull it out by its front legs. It was returned to the owner unharmed. The owner of Percy, a female dark tortie cat, returned from work one evening in September, to be told by neighbours that their cat was stuck between the garage walls, having been alerted by loud cries. Inspector Nayman Dunderdale was allocated the job. Upon his arrival, the garage owner’s son was on site along with Percy’s mum who lives two doors down. Nayman attempted to free Percy, who was stuck upside down in the narrow gap, with the reach and rescue poles and hooks but he couldn't budge her. It was presumed she had gone into the space and tried to turn around, panicked and got lodged. The officer advised a hole needed to be knocked into the wall, preferably that evening, as Percy was upside down and would be extremely uncomfortable. Friendly builders were called in and knocked a brick out just above Percy. Being unable still to budge her, Nayman asked for another two bricks to be knocked out. He was then able to reach in and pull up the poor cat, whose back end was lodged tight. Percy was extremely calm when she came out and was handed back to the owner, who had retrieved a cat basket from home. Speaking to the owner the next morning, Nayman was told that Percy was fine and eating well, although Registered Charity: 224340 **RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Insp Dunderdale did advise a little dieting wouldn't go a miss. Whilst not massive, controlling her food intake would help as she gets older. Apparently this was not the first time Percy had got into a muddle. Several years ago, when a little kitten, Percy had gone missing and was found in another tight space. It's a good job cats have 9 lives! As always, I would like to finish my report by thanking the animal centres, branches, members and volunteers for all their support and help throughout the past year. It really would not be possible to do the job we do without you. ## **Chief Inspector Leanne Hardy 783 Wales and West Group 6 RSPCA Cymru** Registered Charity: 224340 **RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ## **North Wales Inspectorate Annual Report 2020** ## **Year in summary** Where do I start? 2020 will be the year that many of us would like to forget but will remember for a very long time. It pushed us to our limits at times, but also brought out the best in many of us. The RSPCA in general is undergoing massive changes as it modernises. This process began way before 2020 and will continue into the foreseeable future. 2020 saw the “Great Pandemic 2020” thrown into the mix on top of all that. In order to continue to serve the animals of North Wales and keep the public and officers safe throughout the coronavirus outbreak, changes had to be made to the way we work in the inspectorate. The NCC was closed from 2300hrs to 0700 hrs, which meant we no longer were able to offer a 24 hour on call service. Throughout the restrictions we have been able to deal with animals most in need by dealing with emergency calls only. The Society found itself in very serious financial difficulties in 2020, leading to a large number of redundancies. For the officers in North Wales, we sadly had to say goodbye to 7 valued, dedicated and irreplaceable officers, Animal Collection Officer Ann Lloyd Williams, Animal Collection Officer Will Galvin, Inspector Fred Armstrong, Inspector Becky Jeffries, Inspector Lucy DeHavilland, Market Inspector Bill Rowbottom and Market Inspector Warwick Burgess. They are all going to be missed terribly by those of us who have had the pleasure of working with them. Inspector Nayman Dunderdale, who had been helping us out with work in North Wales, was relocated back over the border within the West Mercia group. He will still be needed in North Wales to join us on our many rope rescues that we carry out. The Animal Collection Officer role was decommissioned and replaced with that of ‘Animal Rescue Officer’. In addition to the collection and rescue work done by the ACOs, the job will also incorporate some complaint investigation work, to support the Inspector workload. We welcome to the North Wales group two new Animal Rescue Officers who will be joining us from Cheshire, ARO Lauren Bradshaw and ARO John Littlewood. Both officers have had additional intensive training on Animal Welfare legislation to prepare for their new role. They’ll also both be getting a crash course in the Welsh alphabet at some point! The operational inspectorate groups have also been restructured and our ‘Wales & West 6’ group has lost areas of Mid Wales. The new group area incorporates the counties of Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham. We are now renamed the ‘NORTH WALES’ group. ## **Cases and Complaints of note** Due to the pandemic, all court cases were postponed during 2020 so I am unable to comment on any cases we investigated as yet. In October Inspector Rachael Davies dealt with a dog that we had received recurrent complaints about over the last few years. The elderly owners had been struggling to cope with the dog and signed her over so she could find a new home where she would get the Registered Charity: 224340 **RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals regular grooming or hair cuts she needed. What at first seemed to be a very nervous, possibly snappy dog, underneath all of the matts and dirt was a loveable friendly little thing who must’ve just been so uncomfortable it was portrayed in her behaviour. In November we received a call from a concerned owner after his cat became locked inside a property he had been evicted from and the bailiffs were refusing him entry to get his beloved pet. ARO John Littlewood attended the address where the cat had been trapped for a couple of days. During the eviction the owner’s partner had hold of the cat but during the commotion, it got scared and ran back into the safety of the house. The bailiffs then proceeded to change the locks on the property, refusing the owners of the cat entry to retrieve the animals in case they would refuse to leave again. ARO Littlewood was able to track down the keys for the property all the way over in Staffordshire. One long drive later there and back the cat was secured and returned back to the owner unharmed. ## **Rope rescue** The Wales and West north rope rescue team were at it again just before covid 19 lock down started. Calls had come in regarding a goat seen trapped on a ledge for a couple of weeks near the old slate quarry at Blaenau Ffestiniog. The team was assembled. Vicki Taylor was to lead Ann Lloyd Williams, Jenny Anderton, Mike Pugh and Nayman Dunderdale. It was a cold wet drizzly morning. Once at the location, the goat’s whereabouts was not obvious until a flash of white appeared. It turned out the goat was mostly dark but flashes of white showed depending how the goat was sat or stood. With broad grins all geared up with mountain boots, waterproofs and the load of equipment, shared out in rucksacks, the team set off. It was a short walk to the bottom of the mountain where, upon reaching and looking up at what can only be described as the stairway to hell, the team gave out a sigh of “oh heck”. Steps had been carved or hewn from rocks akin to the stairway up mount doom in Lord of the rings. They eventually ended at a large open tunnel carved out of the rock about 10 feet wide and around 30 feet long, rising on a steep angle. Although the sky shone from above, the tunnel was quite dark, so with head torches adorned the team clambered up with the heavy load on hands and knees. Mike and Nayman were chosen to drop off over and rescue the goat. The views of the area were spectacular and enjoyed while the system was set up. Once the goat was safely rescued and bagged Mike descended alongside it in case of snagging. It was lowered on spare rope about 70 metres to the bottom. The goat was checked over and though a little lean, released back into the wild and was seen walking about grazing within minutes. All in all the team agreed it was one of the most difficult but most enjoyable rescues. ## **Collections and rescues of note** In October Inspector Andrew Broadbent was called to assist on a horse rescue near Denbigh. The horse had fallen into a deep drainage ditch and couldn’t get out. It was hypothermic and rapidly falling unconscious when Andrew arrived. A vet and the horse’s owners were on scene. The vet sedated the horse and a front loader was used to drag the Registered Charity: 224340 **RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals horse free using straps. Once clear of the ditch, the vet checked over the horse. They got it standing and it was washed and exercised to warm up and went on to make a full recovery. As always, I would like to finish my report by thanking the animal centres, branches, members and volunteers for all their support and help throughout the past unprecedented and difficult year. We look forward to 2021 with optimism and know that with your help we can continue to serve the animals and communities of North Wales to the best of our ability. ## **Chief Inspector Leanne Hardy 783 North Wales Inspectorate RSPCA Cymru** Registered Charity: 224340 **RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Registered Charity: 224340 **RSPCA ABERCONWY BRANCH** Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Registered Charity: 224340