OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-12-31-accounts

CANGEN GORLLEWIN GWYNEDD WEST GWYNEDD BRANCH ADRODDIAD BLYNYDDOL 2023 ANNUAL REPORT Elusen Gofrestredig Rhrf 226126 Registered Chanty No

WEST GWYNEDD ANNUAL REPORT 2023

INDEX
Page
Notice of Meeting and list of officers 1
Agenda 2
Letter from the Chairman 3
Minutes of AGM 2023 5
Treasurer's Report 9
Financial Accounts 11
Secretary’s Report 16
Bryn-y-Maen Animal Centre Report 18
Inspectorate Report 19

March 2024

NOTICE OF BRANCH ANNUAL MEETING 2024

Dear Member,

We are again holding our AGM by means of a virtual format through Google Meet.

The meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday, 22[nd] April at 7pm.

To enable you to join the meeting we will need your e-mail address so that the invitation to join the Google Meet meeting can be sent to you. I would be grateful if you could send your e-mail to enquiries@rspcawestgwynedd.org.uk as soon as possible if you are able to attend. Your e-mail address will be saved securely and used only for any relevant West Gwynedd Branch correspondence with you as a Branch member. Your details will not be shared with any third parties.

Mrs Freda Holme Hon. Branch Secretary. Tel. 07900 597891

Arfaes, Llwyndyrys, Y Ffor, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, LL53 6NG

HONORARY OFFICERS:-

President - Robert Eaglestone Vice President – Margaret Eaglestone Chairman - Ann Rees Secretary - Freda Holme Treasurer - Alun Rees Regional Representative - Alun Rees Deputy Regional Representative – Carl Lloyd Friends of Bryn-y-Maen Representative - Freda Holme

ELECTED COMMITTEE / TRUSTEES:-

Rachele Follini Patricia Hibbert Rhianon Jones (died Sept. 2023) Alun Rees Osian Richards

David Hibbert Freda Holme Alexandra Latham Ann Rees

CO-OPTED COMMITTEE / TRUSTEES

Carl Lloyd Mair Eluned

STAFF:Senior Branch Partnership Manager Gavin Bevan (to 16.7. 2023) Branch Partnership Manager Donna Rogers (from 17.7.2023)

ACTION LINE 0300 1234 999

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

To be held by Google Meet video conference 7pm Monday, 22[nd] April 2024

AGENDA

Cymdeithas Frenhinol Atal Creulondeb i Anifeiliaid Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Rhif Elusen Gofrestredig 226126 Registered Charity No.

April 2024

Dear Fellow Members, Friends and Supporters,

Welcome to RSPCA West Gwynedd’s Annual Report. Despite our declining membership, year on year the Branch committee strives to continue our work to help local animals and support our RSPCA Inspectors. Freda and Alexandra have continued to keep the Pwllheli shop open to bring in much-needed funds and Alun and I take most of the phone calls from pet owners requiring assistance with vet bills and advice.

The cost-of-living crisis continues to impact on animal welfare, and we’ve seen an increase in demand for dog and cat food and requests for help with flea & worm treatment and vaccinations. It is a sad reflection of our times when pet owners can’t even afford to pay for the basic needs of their animals. Luckily, we are still supporting the North Wales RSPCA Mobile Clinic that makes weekly visits to Bangor, Caernarfon and Blaenau Ffestiniog and can direct callers there for basic welfare treatment for their pets. The demand on the mobile clinic is sometimes overwhelming with vets Jim and Llinos having to extend their hours on site.

Fortunately, Branch Trustee Carl Lloyd has continued to source pet food that is approaching the date when shops aren’t willing to offer it for sale. This year, I nominated Carl for an RSPCA Impact Award under the Rescue and Care category, and I was delighted when Carl won the category and was awarded a certificate, a trophy and an invitation for him and a guest to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. Carl has said he will take his mum with him to achieve “serious Brownie points”! It is a well-deserved recognition of Carl’s endeavours, allowing our Branch to supply dog and cat food regularly to 7 Foodbanks in our area, as well as providing cat food for people supporting feral cat populations and cats in Branch care. In addition, the food is distributed across North Wales and transported to three depots in South Wales, making this a Wales-wide scheme.

West Gwynedd Branch Cangen Gorllewin Gwynedd

Website: https://www.RSPCA.org.uk/local/west-gwynedd-branch/aboutus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rspca.westgwyneddbranch

Since our last AGM we’ve lost 3 true supporters. Richard Williams from Bangor was a committee member for some years and a stalwart collector during fundraising events at Pets at Home and Tesco, Bangor. Then we learnt of the death of fellow trustee Rhianon Jones of Rhos Isaf, Caernarfon. Known locally as “The Cat Lady” she had, at one time, over 20 cats, as everyone locally knew that if a cat needed a home Rhianon would always take it in. At the time of her death only one 19-year-old cat remained and fortunately, RSPCA Bryn-y-Maen Animal Centre was able to take her in. Our third loss was the death of our Pwllheli shop landlord and Branch supporter, Paul Brett, who lost his fight against heart disease. Paul was an eminent guitarist who would donate guitars to sell at our shop and he and his partner Michele, a former West End performer, have held fundraising shows locally to raise funds for the Branch. Richard, Rhianon and Paul will be missed.

Demand has increased for financial assistance to pay vet bills by pet-owners, resulting in as many as 20 incoming telephone calls a day. In April 2023 we held the first meeting of the six North Wales branches to discuss the future of the RSPCA across the region. Branch trustees, as well as members, are diminishing, putting more pressure onto fewer people. We will be having further meetings this year with one possibility being mergers of Branches and employment of staff. David and Pat Hibbert, long-standing committee members, moved from Bangor to Ruthin this year. Luckily, they’ve chosen to stay with our Branch, meaning that we now have 4 trustees living in Denbighshire – thank goodness for Google meet!

My thanks go to our Inspectorate team, RSPCA Bryn-y-Maen Animal Centre staff & volunteers, the Mobile Clinic and Gavin & Donna, our Branch Partnership Team for their support.

As always, my thanks go to all our committee members for all that they do for this Branch If you think you can help us in any way please contact us via Facebook, at enquiries@rspcawestgwynedd.org.uk or by phone on 01248 671304.

We will continue to do all that we can to support the animals and to prevent cruelty, promote kindness and alleviate suffering of all animals.

Thank you – Diolch yn fawr iawn.

Ann Rees

RSPCA WEST GWYNEDD BRANCH Minutes of Annual General Meeting Held via Google Meet video conference Monday, 17[th] April 2023 at 7.00pm.

Those present at the meeting are listed on page 8

1 Chairman’s Welcome

Ann Rees welcomed everyone to the meeting including Sylvia from Clwyd and Colwyn Branch and Jon from Aberconwy Branch. She said they had both been involved with the RSPCA for a long time, as had Jon's wife, Sheila, who recently passed away and she offered our deepest sympathy to him. We also lost our friend and past committee member, Richard Williams, in November 2022. He was always willing to help with store and street collections and will be missed.

Here we go again with another year gone by and another Annual Report and AGM. Although our membership is declining year on year, the Branch committee and an exceedingly small band of volunteers strive to keep the Pwllheli shop open and to take all the phone calls from pet owners requiring assistance with vet bills.

During the cost-of-living crisis veterinary costs have continued to rise meaning that many owners can't even meet the cost of basic treatment and vaccinations for their pets. We are glad that the North Wales RSPCA Mobile Clinic makes weekly visits to Bangor, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Caernarfon. Eligible owners can be directed to this, but it is so popular and needed that we now have a waiting list for appointments.

The number of requests has certainly increased which means Alun spends most of his days on the phone. Freda also gets requests via the shop. There is an increasing demand for:- advice on behavioural issues with dogs, pet owners wanting to rehome as they can no longer afford their pets and some whose pets no longer fit into their lifestyle. Recently we have seen a worrying trend of dog owners wanting to rehome dogs with aggressive traits and a rise in XL Bully breeds locally.

We took more calls about “abandoned” seal pups on our Gwynedd beaches. The likelihood is that the pups are left on the beach whilst the adult seal has gone for food and would return if the pup was not surrounded by onlookers and their dogs. We also had many reports of sick seabirds likely to be suffering from Avian influenza. Our Inspectors have been trained and kitted-out with special protective clothing as there is a risk to human health from close contact with infected birds.

August 2022 saw Branch Trustee Carl Lloyd secure a grant of over £7,000 from Comic Relief's Community Fund in Wales Small Grants Scheme to support our work with Foodbanks. Carl had already sourced pet food reaching the end of its "best before" date that would otherwise end up in landfill or incinerated. This has enabled the Branch to regularly supply dog and cat food to Foodbanks in Bangor, Bethesda, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Caernarfon and Pwllheli. We soon hope to add Barmouth to the list.

Thanks to our Inspectorate Team, RSPCA Bryn-y-Maen Animal Centre staff and volunteers, the Mobile Clinic and Gavin Bevan, our Senior Branch Partnership Manager, for his support.

As always, I thank all our committee members for what they do to prevent this Branch from slipping into RSPCA trusteeship as so many other Branches have done.

We will continue to do all we can to prevent cruelty, promote kindness, alleviate suffering, and support all animals.

2 Apologies received are listed on page 8.

3 Minutes of AGM 2022

These were proposed by Carl Lloyd seconded by Alun Rees and accepted by the meeting.

4 There were no matters arising.

5 Financial Report

Alun Rees reported that incoming resources for the year amounted to £94,525 and expenditure was £92,444. There was a massive fall in investments resulting in an overall loss of £48,776. Alun then went into more detail about the entries in his report.

The allocation of the two shares of the “House-to-House” collections organised by RSPCA HQ fell slightly to £46,436. The Pwllheli shop takings were £23,381 plus £2,000 received from The Welsh Government Covid Business Rates Grant. The Gift Aid Scheme brought a welcome total return from HMRC of £413.

The decrease in our investments was mainly due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and uncertainty from the Liz Truss/Kwasi Kwarteng mini budget in September.

The cost of vet bills rose slightly due to cost-of-living increases and inflation.

Our North Wales Mobile Clinic was back in action for most of the year despite staffing problems resulting from lengthy illness due to Covid (our driver) and maternity (one of our vets). Veterinary costs charged by commercial vet practices to the public increased significantly.

The Branch Reserves Policy remains unchanged since that given in the Annual Report of 1997.

Alun’s report was proposed by Freda Holme, seconded by Osian Richards, and accepted by the meeting.

6 Adoption of Independent Examiners

Alun Rees proposed that the examiners, W.J. Matthews and Son, are retained. This was seconded by Osian Richards and accepted by the meeting.

7 Branch Annual Report

Freda Holme said that 2022 saw us slowly recovering from the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic but facing new problems with the rise in the cost of living. Due to both these circumstances calls increased for help with both costs of vet bills and rehoming of animal.

Some of the rehoming problems occurred because owners had obtained animals during the pandemic as something to occupy their time. When their lives returned to normal, they were unable to cope with the new addition to the family as it didn't fit in with their normal way of life. More thought should be given when deciding to have an animal as part of your family.

Even though income was limited the Branch still provided financial help to pet owners. We provide free neutering of cats and kittens over 6 months of age and an amount towards neutering of dogs of £100 for females and £70 for males. We also help with an allowance towards the cost of vet treatment. Owners must be on means-tested benefits or have a low income to qualify.

The RSPCA also runs a joint scheme with the Cat's Protection for neutering pet cats which includes microchipping and costs the owner £10.

We still received donations of pet food from Morrisons during the year for which we are always grateful.

The Branch charity shop in Pwllheli is slowly trying to recover from all the problems of the last two years. We are still receiving pet food, cages etc brought into the shop by customers and supporters. During the year various collection boxes were emptied raising £2,199; donations received, £1,392. No other fundraising was undertaken during the year, any ideas for 2024?

£53,259 was spent on vet costs and £1,568 on boarding.

The RSPCA Mobile Clinic, which visits Bangor, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Caernarfon in Gwynedd each week, is much appreciated by pet owners and in 2022 1,244 animals were seen. It is now by appointment only and some venues are booked well in advance.

Several cat traps were loaned out to members of the public and Ann and Alun did some “hands-on” catching of various types of animals.

A new venture being pursued by the Branch is to receive pet food near its best-before date from a supplier and distribute it to local food banks. It is safe to use for at least another 6 months but cannot be sold. This has proved to be very successful and keeps some committee members extremely busy with the practicalities of supply and demand.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone involved with the Branch for their help during another difficult year and the Inspectorate and the Animal Centre for their work during a continuing trying time.

Freda's report was proposed by Carl Lloyd, seconded by Dave Hibbert, and accepted by the meeting.

8 Election of Committee

A virtual ballot took place and as all proposals received 50% of the vote the following were elected to the Branch Committee:-

Rachele Follini David Hibbert Patricia Hibbert Freda Holme Rhianon Jones Alexandra Latham Alun Rees Ann Rees Osian Richards 9 Inspectorate Report

Chief Inspector Leanne Hardy started her report by saying 2022 was predominantly governed by Avian influenza making it harder for the frontline teams to seek assistance from volunteers, vets, and wildlife hospitals. Many of these services had to close their doors whilst we were still being tasked with collecting sick or injured wild birds. This put a lot of pressure on the North Wales team, but they worked really hard under difficult circumstances in order to get to as many animals in need as possible.

Summer was particularly difficult with the NCC, and frontline staff overwhelmed with work. Looking ahead, there are several projects that will hopefully enable us to get faster to the animals needing help and deal with animal cruelty and neglect quickly and professionally to secure the best outcome for these animals.

The Wildlife Casualty Volunteers have been rebranded as Animal Rescue Volunteers to better reflect the diversity of the tasks they are being asked to assist us with.

Leanne then continued by giving details of the number and variety of calls being passed to the Inspectorate and several of the notable cases and complaints .

She finished her report by thanking the Animal Centres, Branches, members, and volunteers for all their support.

10 Bryn-y-Maen Animal Centre Report

As there was no one attending from Bryn-y-Maen the report was read by Ann Rees and commenced by listing staff changes during 2022.

The volunteer team completed 3,936 hours supporting centre staff with animal care, maintenance, and gardening duties.

284 animals were taken in from local and national inspectorate teams and included 72 dogs, 110 cats, 53 rabbits and 49 other species including fish, poultry, and small animals. Restrictions were experienced on wild birds entering the centre due to Avian flu, but we continued to support the shortterm housing of wild mammals ahead of transfer to Stapeley Grange.

A total of 164 animals found new homes which included 40 dogs, 71 cats, 27 rabbits and 26 other species. We experienced an increase in adopters travelling great distances to adopt the smaller animals such as rabbits hamsters and gerbils.

We completed our first fundraising event at Pets at Home since the start of the pandemic which was a positive experience and raised vital funds plus food and enrichment toys.

Thank you to Friends of Bryn-y-Maen and the North Wales Branches for continuing to support the centre throughout these difficult times. This ensures we continue to best support the animals that need it most.

We look forward to seeing you at the Friends Dog Show in 2023.

11 Talk by Alexandra Davies, Education Officer, Welsh Mountain Zoo

“Conservation Starts at Home”

Ann Rees introduced the speaker and said Alexandra qualified as a Bachelor of Science in Zoology before going on to doing a master’s degree. She then spent six years as a Zookeeper before moving a short while ago to being Education Officer at the Welsh Mountain Zoo.

Alexandra said the Welsh Mountain Zoo celebrates its 60[th] Anniversary this year and is no longer run by the family that started it.

She gave a very interesting, illustrated talk about the various species in their conservation programmes and also spoke of the way animals coped with captivity.

At the end of her talk Ann thanked her for her informative and interesting talk on the work of conservation and rehabilitation at the zoo and said Alexandra's enthusiasm for her job is brilliant. For such a long time some zoos had a dubious reputation in animal welfare, so it was a delight to hear such positive comments about our local zoo. Thank goodness for people like you who do so much work educating the young generation through group visits, outreach programmes and your virtual Wildlife Inspiring Learning and Discovery (WILD) sessions.

12 Closing comments

Ann said we had now come to the end of the AGM for another year. She thanked everyone who had been part of putting the reports together etc and taking part in the meeting and to all for joining us this evening.

The meeting closed at 8.30pm.

Chairman…………………………………………………………date………………………..

ATTENDANCE Members (11) Rachele Follini David Hibbert Pat Hibbert Freda Holme Alexandra Latham Vicky Potter Alun Rees Ann Rees Osian Richards Griff Thomas Mandy Thomas

Staff

Gavin Bevan BPM Chief Insp. Leanne Hardy Friends and Guests Carl Lloyd Jonathon Francis, Aberconwy Branch Sylvia Moss, Clwyd & Colwyn Branch Jenny Kinsman, Red Squirrels Trust, Wales Alexandra Davies, Education Officer, Welsh Mountain Zoo Mair Eluned APOLOGIES RECEIVED Gaynor Elis-Williams Catherine Head Heather Roberts Lyn Williams Victoria Williams, ByM Gwenfron Evans, Ynys Mon Branch

TREASURER’S REPORT & PRESENTATION OF ACCOUNTS 2023

The total incoming resources for the year amounted to £91,651 (2022: £94,525) with Trade debtors of £3,885. Expenditure in the year amounted to £110,736 (2022: £92,444) and a recovery of £22,088 (2022: a fall of £50,246) in the value of investments with current liabilities of £1,977 (2022: £8,292). This resulted in an overall gain for the year of £2,403.

The allocation of the two shares of the “House to House” collections organised by RSPCA HQ fell slightly from £46,436 in 2022 to £46,188. The profits gained from the use of professional canvassers are shared 50:50 between HQ and each of the Branches in existence at the time of the collection. As a result of RSPCA West Gwynedd Branch taking over RSPCA Meirionnydd Branch in 2011, the “new” Branch received two portions of the profit for the first 10 years. Our shop at Pwllheli produced a slight decrease in income from £23,831 in 2022 to £21,393 in 2023. The shop takings were also enhanced by £910 from sale of rags (included in the £21,393 figure above) and the £1,518 in the collection box 25% Gift Aid. The Gift Aid scheme brought a welcome total return from HMRC of £771 (2022: £790).

Our investments recovered some of the losses experienced in 2022 growing from £168,649 to £190,737 as well as increased income over the year from £8,280 to £10,404. Schroders also decided to close their SUTL Cazenove Charity Bond Fund during the year, so we withdrew £1,235 and transferred the remaining balance to our M&G Charifund account. Our sit and wait strategy appears to be working.

The cost of vet bills rose significantly to £63,839 from £53,259 in 2022 largely due to the cost of living and inflation rises and an increase in the number of requests for financial help. Our North Wales Mobile Clinic was back in action for most of the year, despite staffing problems resulting from illness and maternity (one of our vets). Veterinary costs charged by commercial vet practices to the public increased significantly.

Reserves Policy

The Branch Reserves Policy remains unchanged from that given in the Annual Report of 1997. This is to maintain a level of financial reserves that will enable the Branch to ensure continuity of activities providing animal welfare support and the ability to adjust, in a measured way, to any significant change in resources. Reserves are those funds which are freely available for general purposes and are uncommitted.

The trustees have established a policy of holding reserves of unrestricted funds equivalent to two to three years’ expenditure. Based on our current expenditure of £92,444 and total unrestricted balance (including income-generating investments) of £310,552 in the investment and general funds, we have just over 3.3 years of reserve capital, though with projected yearon-year increases in spending and the substantial planned costs of supporting the mobile clinic, this figure is closer to 2.8 years.

This policy therefore conforms to the regulations of expendable endowment in paragraph 16 of the Charity Commission’s guide to Charities’ Reserves (CC19), namely:

“…..many charities with an expendable endowment depend on the income it produces to fund core or continuing activities. Expending any of the endowment itself would reduce the income from it and might jeopardise some of those activities. The charity would then either have to increase its income from other sources, …. or have to cut back its activities. The endowment

cannot be regarded as free funds if a charity has that degree of dependence on income from it.”

This policy is subject to half-yearly review.

Investment Policy

On 31[st] December 2023 19% of our invested funds were held in selected equities, about 41% in bonds and gilts, no more than 13% in current accounts, and the 27% balance in fixed interest notice account(s).

Future Plans

Our major plan for the year is the continuation of the mobile clinic service in Bangor, Blaenau and Caernarfon with the additional costs of the hub and clinic manager. An additional 2 vets now provide resilience and even the opportunity of extending the current 3-day service to 4 or even 5 days. The costs to our Branch are expected to be £20,000 per annum, plus an estimated £5,000 for additional referrals to veterinary practices in our area.

In 2022 the North Wales collaboration to distribute pet food approaching end of shelf-life to animal rescues and pet owners on limited finances via food banks came to realisation. The management of the logistics involved rental of a warehouse facility in Mochdre which still continues. The Comic Relief Grant of £7,122 towards storage and distribution has now been used. The use of the mobile clinic for delivery to Blaenau Ffestiniog, Bangor & Caernarfon in our Branch ensures no extra journeys. Local volunteers then redistribute it directly to foodbanks in Bangor, Bethesda, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Caernarfon & Pwllheli

We will also be continuing to participate in the all-Wales cat neutering scheme with Cats Protection via Regional Board which is currently available in 5 practices in our Branch area. Our own free/subsidised cat-neutering scheme is available at all the vet practices in Gwynedd. We also run our own contributions to subsidised neutering costs of £70 per dog and £100 per bitch. Both schemes are subject to the owner(s) being on means-tested benefits or low income, or for rehomed feral and stray cats, and available while funds last.

It is our intention to continue to help in the payment of veterinary bills to owners on low income and un-owned animals and on request, assistance with boarding / treatment of RSPCA Inspectorate animals where no other funding is available.

We are looking into the prospect of several of the current RSPCA Branches in North Wales merging to form a super-Branch. This proposal began back in the early 2020s but is becoming increasingly likely as the numbers of volunteers fall and the administrative and financial burdens increase. Due to RSPCA Branch rules, only 2 Branches may merge at one time, extending the time required for multi-Branch reorganisation.

Alun T Rees Hon Branch Treasurer

RSPCA WEST GWYNEDD BRANCH

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 226126

______________

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

______________

W J MATTHEWS & SON CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

-11-

Independent Examiners’ Report to the Members of RSPCA West Gwynedd Branch

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of RSPCA West Gwynedd Branch for the year ended 31st December 2023, which are set out on pages 13-15.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

David Chidley W. J. Matthews & Son Chartered Accountants 11-15 Bridge Street, Caernarfon, Gwynedd.

Dated:

-12-

RSPCA WEST GWYNEDD BRANCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2023

General Designated General Designated Restricted 2023 2022
£ £ £ £ £ £ £
Income:
Membership subscriptions 148 - - 148 161
Covid Business Rates grant - - - - 2,000
Comic Relief Food Bank grant - - - - 7,122
Pet Food grant from HQ - - 5,000 5,000 -
From Voluntary Sources
Sundry donations 820 - - 820 1,392
Gift aid 815 - - 815 413
Flag Days - - - - 100
House to house collections 46,188 - - 46,188 46,436
Jumble - - - - 52,971 48 57,672
_ _ ______ ______ _____
Investment Income:
Investment income (Gross) 10,404 - - 10,404 8,280
Cashing in of Cazenove investment 1,235 - - 1,235 11,639 - 8,280
_ _ _ _____ _____
Charitable Trading activities:
Dog collection boxes 2,035 - - 2,035 2,199
Charity Shop takings 21,393 - - 21,393 23,831
Adoption fees - - - - 270
VAT refund 3,613 - - 3,613 27,041 2,273 28,573
_ ______ __ _ _
£86,651 £- £5,000 £91,651 £94,525
__ ______ _ _ _
Direct Charitable Expenditure:
Contribution to HQ 551 - - 551 551
Donations 235 20,000 - 20,235 20,265
Veterinary costs 41,256 22,583 - 63,839 53,259
Boarding 2,112 - - 2,112 1,568
Charity Shop rent 9,880 - - 9,880 9,880
Charity Shop heat and light 747 - - 747 835
Charity Shop trade refuse 328 - - 328 309
Charity Shop F.R. goods - - - - 182
Mobile Clinic Telephone - 318 - 318 351
Mobile Clinic Room hire - - - - 120
Mobile Clinic Driver Hire - - - - 190
Comic Relief Haulage - - - - 1,800
Comic Relief Officer’s Travel - - 1,452 1,452 333
Comic Relief Storage unit rental
-		 - 2,220 2,220 1,284
Support to food bank - - 6,543 6,543 -
Insurance 1,184 - - 1,184 109,409 - 90,927
______ _____ _____ ______ ______
Other expenditure:
Postage and stationery 123 - - 123 149
Accountancy 810 - - 810 650
Repairs and Equipment - - - - 361
Consumables 394 - - 394 73
VAT not recoverable - - - - 1,327 284 1,517
_ _ ______ ______ _ ______ ______
Total payments £57,620 £42,901 £10,215 £110,736 £92,444
_ _ ______ _ ______
Net (expenditure) / income
for the year 29,031 (42,901) (5,215) (19,085) 2,081
Transfers between funds (44,444) 42,901 1,543 - -
Cash and bank balances
At 31stDecember 2022 83,231 55,000 3,672 141,903 139,822
______ ______ ______ _ ______
At 31stDecember 2023 £67,818 £55,000 £- £122,818 £141,903
______ ______ ______ _ ______

-13-

RSPCA WEST GWYNEDD BRANCH STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 31st DECEMBER 2023

2023 2022
£ £
Monetary assets:
Investments:
SUTL Cazenove Charity Equity Value Fund A Income 60,897 35,441
SUTL Cazenove Charity Bond Fund A Income - 77,033
M&G Charifund 129,840 56,175
_ _
£190,737 £168,649
_ _
Bank and cash balances:
Bank Deposit Investment Account 83,432 83,223
Bank Current Accounts 38,469 57,881
PayPal Account 842 724
Cash float 75 75
______ ______
Total £122,818 £141,903
______ ______
General funds 67,818 83,231
Designated funds 55,000 55,000
Restricted funds - 3,672
______ ______
£122,818 £141,903
______ ______
Debtors:Trade debtors £3,885 £2,884
______ ______
Current Liabilities:
Trade creditors and accruals £1,977 £8,292
______ ______

Approved by the Branch Committee on ……………………………. and signed by Dr. A. T. Rees Honorary Treasurer

………………………………………

-14-

RSPCA WEST GWYNEDD BRANCH ACCOUNTING POLICIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2023

Restricted Funds

In April 2022 the branch set up a new scheme which involved collecting donated animal food and distributing to food banks across North Wales. A Comic Relief Grant was received for £7,122 to cover storage and distribution costs. As of December 2023, the grant income was spent in full.

During the year the branch received a grant from headquarters of £5,000 to support food banks with pet food. The total cost was more than the grant received and the additional amount was funded from the general reserve.

Designated Funds

A balance of £25,000 was brought forward from 2022 in relation to the cat and dog free neutering scheme. A total of £21,679 was spent during the year ending 31 December 2023 leaving a balance of £8,777. The Committee agreed to top up this figure to give a balance of £25,000 at the year end. Of the £25,000, the members of the committee have agreed that £5,000 of this fund is to be used for a farm cat neutering scheme in Dolgellau.

A sum of £30,000 had been designated to subsidise a mobile clinic providing veterinary services and advice to pet owners in the Bangor, Caernarfon and Blaenau Ffestiniog areas. The balance in the fund at 31 December 2022 was £30,000. A total of £21,222 was spent during the year ending 31 December 2023 leaving a balance of £8,778. The Committee agreed to top up this figure to give a balance of £30,000 at the year end.

Investments

The investments are stated at market value.

Trustees

No trustees received any remuneration in the year. (2022 – NIL).

Reimbursements made to trustees were as follows

2023 2022
No of trustees Cost No of trustees Cost
Travel costs reimbursed Nil Nil Nil £Nil

-15-

RSPCA WEST GWYNEDD BRANCH SECRETARY'S REPORT 2023

Although the Covid pandemic is now, hopefully, behind us we still have a cost -ofliving crisis, possibly a recession. This causes many problems and a massive increase in the calls we receive for financial help with vet bills, due to these rising sharply.

We still provide free neutering of cats and kittens above 6 months old and an amount of £100 for neutering female dogs and £70 for males. We also make an allowance towards the cost of vet treatment. To qualify the owners must be on means-tested benefits or a low income.

The RSPCA also runs a joint scheme with the Cat's Protection for neutering pet cats which includes microchipping and costs the owner £10.

At the end of the year, you may be aware of the problems caused with XL Bully dogs. The Branch, in the person of Alun Rees, has been involved in the problems of administration and some funding of costs to help the owners of these dogs across the North Wales Branches and reclaiming the costs from RSPCA HQ and the Cymru Board.

We still received, and are grateful for, donations of pet food from Morrisons during the year and also from members of the public who bring it into our charity shop in Pwllheli.

The Branch shop is still open and trying to increase the takings although being manned by an ever-decreasing number of volunteers. Thanks to the few who help there.

Referring to the shop, our landlord, Paul Brett, died on 31[st ] January 2024. He was a great animal lover and with his partner, Michele Breeze, supported the Branch and shop and organised various fund-raising events over the years. He will be greatly missed.

We also lost two other friends since our last AGM. These were Richard Williams and Rhianon Jones. Richard was a past Committee member who still helped with fundraising and Rhianon was still a Committee member until the time of her death. When she moved back to Wales more than 40 years ago, she was already an RSPCA member, she joined the West Gwynedd Branch and was Secretary of the Branch for a number of years. We shall miss them both.

During the year various collection boxes were emptied, £2,035, donations received, £820.

£63,013.61 was spent on vet costs and £2,112 on boarding.

We still have the RSPCA mobile clinic visiting Bangor, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Caernarfon each week. This is now so busy that appointments at some venues are being booked weeks in advance.

Several cat traps were loaned out to members of the public as needed and Ann and Alun are still involved with some hands-on catching of various types of animals.

The Branch is still receiving pet food which is sourced and distributed to various Branches in Wales by Carl Lloyd, a West Gwynedd Branch Trustee. Carl recently received an award from RSPCA HQ regarding the work he puts into this venture. The food is then delivered to numerous food banks within our area, by Ann and Alun Rees.

Because of the shortage of volunteers and trustees on the committees the Branches in North Wales have been discussing mergers with each other to find ways of solving these problems. Nothing has yet been agreed for West Gwynedd and meetings will continue during 2024. We assure our members that all decisions will be taken with the best interests of the Branch at the heart of them.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved with the Branch, the Inspectorate and the Animal Centre for their work during the year.

Freda Holme

RSPCA BRYN-Y-MAEN ANIMAL CENTRE 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

2023 was another year full of variety with both centre and national changes taking place and the demand for animal space at an all-time high. Our team remained committed to best supporting the animals entering our care through timely rehabilitation and rehoming processes. We supported the hand rearing of a variety of kittens through the year, during July a total of 12 kittens required around the clock feeding!!

Our team of volunteers completed an amazing 3024 hours with May being our highest month for hours. Vicky, our cattery volunteer, committed the highest number of hours for the second year running totalling 384 hours and Sue, our kennel volunteer completed the second highest at 235. We continue to remain incredibly grateful to all our volunteers for their commitment to support the centre and animals in our care.

Russ Smith completed his fixed term role at the centre. Abbie Griffiths left the team to join Dogs Trust Merseyside and Rachel Gibbs remained with the organisation but transferred to the volunteering team. We look forward to continuing to work with Rachel in the future, following her return from maternity leave after the arrival of baby Ivy.

Amy Chambers transferred into an Animal Care Supervisor Role and Rachel Ali transferred to a part time Behaviour and Welfare Advisor role within the centre. We welcomed Jessica Nova, Jodie Parfitt, and Alicia Jones to the team in Animal Care Assistant roles and Sarah Davies returned from her maternity leave.

An incredible 710 animals entered our care with this being the highest numbers seen for many years, our Small Animal Block supported the intake of a variety of species from multi animal homes including tropical and cold-water fish and over 200 mice. Our team displayed their adaptability to accommodate such a variety of species requiring specialist care.

Dog 83, Cats 133, Rabbits 44 Guinea Pigs 10, Ferrets 5, Mice 273, Fish 167

A total of 336 animals found new homes: 37 Dogs, 87 Cats, 41 Rabbits, 171 other species which included Fish, Guinea Pigs and Mice. We received national Branch support for the relocation of so many mice, as the females started to give birth! We experienced a positive return and sunshine included for our Friends of Bryn-y-Maen Dog Show, with 85 Dogs entering our fun and rescue classes. We look forward to the show continuing to grow in the years ahead after the 3-year gap with Covid restrictions.

Thank you to Friends of Bryn-y-Maen and the North Wales Branches teams for your continued support and engagement during 2023. Your commitment and support to raise the profile and support the work of the centre and continue to improve the lives of animals is much appreciated.

Kind Regards Vicky Williams Centre Manager Bryn-y-Maen Animal Centre

18

North Wales RSPCA Inspectorate ANNUAL REPORT 2023

North Wales Inspectorate Annual Report 2023 Year in summary Avian influenza still had a grip on 2023 affecting support from volunteers, vets and wildlife hospitals. Even the small transportable wildlife project was hampered as it reduced the number of collections we could empower the public to do themselves. The summer, whilst still our busiest period, was better managed by the introduction of the priority matrix pilot. Inspectorate groups are allocated work taking account of the number of jobs not yet attended. If the total workload for the group statistically shows more than 25% of jobs waiting to be visited for the first time, then only P1 and P2 priority calls are taken and scheduled to the officers in that group. Once the percentage of jobs not yet attended drops below 25% lower priority work P3,4 & 5 is then accepted and passed to the field. This has meant that we have been able to respond faster to animals most in need, namely those that are victims of the worst cruelty and neglect. This has helped to manage public expectations and better for the wellbeing of officers and NCC staff.

2023 saw more changes in the staff numbers of the team. Inspectors Dave McCartney and Mike Pugh retired, both time-served officers (approx. 65 years’ service between them!). Their wealth of knowledge and experience was second to none and they will be missed. Inspector Jenny Anderton went on maternity leave and has since given birth to a perfect little girl, Isla. It is hoped that she will be back sometime toward the latter part of 2024. Inspector Rachael Davies left us to go on a secondment to the workload management team for 12 months. This has now been extended for another year into 2025, and Phil Lewis secured his 12-month secondment to the welfare oversight team. Our army of volunteers grew in 2023 to 5, cementing them firmly within the team. The help they have provided has been invaluable and enables officers to concentrate their efforts better on their investigative work.

We completed our office move in 2023 to Bryn-y-Maen. It has been a really positive step for the team. They can meet with their animal centre colleagues and build on their relationships there. It has helped to reduce the feelings of isolation that often come with being a lone worker in a big geographical area. It has also assisted us in achieving the organisational priority of nurturing the culture of being “One Team”. 2023 also brought the dissolution of the rope rescue team sadly. This was a tough decision that North Wales officers felt deeply. They had built such a fantastic reputation with international recognition. I am so very proud of their achievements and grateful on behalf of the Society and every animal they rescued.

Last year we also saw the introduction of the Care Contribution Fund (CCF), which will provide a financial contribution towards the first 90 days of care of Inspectorate generated animals signed over to RSPCA Branches. Branch sustainability remains our utmost priority and is paramount to us jointly being able to deliver on our Animal Journey programme part of the Together for Animal Welfare Strategy. This will ensure the best possible outcome for animals in our care.

Interesting Cases and Complaints

Inspector Phil Lewis collected a rabbit that was found in a cardboard box with 4 newborn kits near to Ysgol Rhos Helyg Primary School, Rhosesmor. No-one knew why the poor rabbit was abandoned or if she had even had the kits before being left. Local enquiries were made to locate the owner, while the rabbit and her kits were transferred to a private boarding facility to wait for space to become available in one of our RSPCA animal centres. Unfortunately, one of the

kits, a pure white one, didn’t survive the night. The mother rabbit had moved it away from the rest of the litter and it was thought that she must have known something was wrong. The other 3 kits thankfully survived. Despite extensive enquiries, no owner or person responsible was ever found. They were rehomed when space became available, and they were old enough to leave mum.

All the team encountered increasing cases of abandonments last year. We can only assume that it was a knock-on effect from the cost-of-living crisis and overbreeding that was seen during the COVID pandemic. Inspector Broadbent was called to a complaint in Rhyl where a Pig called ‘Iggy’ was being kept down the side of the alley of a house. The conditions were appalling. It was literally a squalid mud bath with no shelter and no dry bedding area. The owner realised it was not a suitable environment for Iggy and signed him over for rehoming. Inspector Phil Lewis then transported Iggy to a safe location especially set up to house pigs. Iggy thrived and was sent to an animal centre for rehoming.

A Wrexham man was sent to prison for 26 weeks for the neglect and suffering of several animals while in breach of a disqualification order. He had previously been found guilty, following a trial, of five offences under the Animal Welfare Act. As a result of a new investigation, officers discovered that he had caused unnecessary suffering to a yellow Labrador - who was found in an emaciated state. Another offence related to two puppies who were found dead. The third was in relation to a cat, who he had failed to provide veterinary treatment for a large polypoid affecting his ear. Another offence was that he failed to care for

11 dogs and puppies and a final offence was that he was keeping the animals - which included 11 dogs, three cats and a goose - in breach of a lifetime disqualification order. He was sentenced to 26 weeks imprisonment each for three unnecessary suffering offences, 11 weeks imprisonment for failing to care for the dogs and 16 weeks for breach of ban. They were all to run concurrently. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154 to be paid within 28 days of release. He was given an indefinite

disqualification of keeping any animals. Inspector Rachael Davies led the operation with North Wales Police and a team of RSPCA officers. A warrant was executed on the location where the animals were kept. All the surviving animals were eventually put up for rehoming.

Collections and rescues in 2023

Inspector Dave McCartney was called to a location near Berriew, just outside Welshpool, to reports of two Fallow Deer that had become entangled together by their antlers with electric fencing wire. The caller had seen them thrashing around in the brook and was concerned that they may drown. Dave and the caller found the deer. They had managed to get into the field alongside the brook. Dave knew straight away that this was not a job for one person, so he called for assistance. He was soon joined by Inspectors Mike Pugh, Andrew Broadbent and Nayman Dunderdale. The deer were still very mobile, and the team had to follow them for almost a kilometre through marsh land, over fences and fields until they ended up back in the brook. A rope was attached to the antlers of one deer using a reach and rescue pole and both

deer were safely secured. Mike Pugh was then able to cut the wire from one deer's antler and it ran off. A short while later the wire was cut away from the second deer’s antlers and it also ran off, uninjured. By fortunate coincidence, Dave and Mike had attended the Large Animal Rescue training only the week before so were able to put their refreshed skills into practice. Dave said, "This was a really special successful rescue and was very satisfying for all involved. It was a great all-round team effort, and it was very pleasing to see both deer run off to be reunited with each other. It is jobs like this which make the job of an RSPCA officer so unique and very worthwhile. The AR2 training completed the week before this rescue helped, as we were able to rescue the deer in a safe manner.”

Inspectors Jenny Anderton and Andy Broadbent had fun and games rescuing a gull trapped down a mediaeval well in Conwy Castle. It took a few hours for them to work out how to get the gull out. The water level was about 10-15 metres down and there was a fence around the top of the well. In addition, naturally, the gull didn't fancy getting caught. It took the ingenious officers 3 different attempts, lowering various strange, improvised contraptions cobbled together from their equipment, before they were successful. They had constructed a ‘big spoon’ made from ropes and a net. After demonstrating excellent teamwork, they managed to scoop the gull up, operating the whole thing like puppeteers from the top.

ARO Melanie Froude attended the RSPB Cors Ddyga reserve on Anglesey after calls were received regarding a swan with a broken wing. The swan was located on a small body of water, the wing appearing in very bad shape. After assessing the situation, it was clear the swan was never going to be caught single-handed, so Inspector Mark Roberts, who is trained for water rescues, was called in to help. Mark donned his dry suit and with reach and rescue poles and swan hooks at the ready, they set out to catch the swan. Mel scrambled through some brambles on one side of the water and attempted to lure the swan towards Mark, who was ready to enter the water if needed. The swan evaded them at first. By wading and swimming through the cold water, Mark then attempted to lure the swan back towards Mel, who was on the bank waiting with the reach and rescue pole and swan hook. The swan was hooked this time but attempts to get the bird out the water and up the steep bank were thwarted, and the swan escaped again. It was third time lucky though when Mark eventually managed to catch the swan and get it safely into a swan bag. The wound was properly assessed but unfortunately the wing was so badly damaged that the swan had to be put to sleep.

Other items of note

At the end of March, officers committee members from the part in the Keep Britain Tidy Clean’ campaign. This great team were keen to join in to help prevent and reduce any that might occur. With the beach at Dinas Dinlle was with locals and tourists alike beachfront cafes, and lots of council kindly provided bin arranged for the disposal of

from North Wales and West Gwynedd Branch took ‘The Great British Spring project is in its 8th year and the tidy up their local beaches to litter-related animal problems support from the local council, selected. This spot is popular due to the stunning scenery, parking availability. The bags and litter pickers and all the litter collected.

It was a successful day, and many bags of rubbish were removed containing plastics, cans, bottle-tops, glass bottles, blue nylon cord, shotgun cartridges, poo bags and an assortment of hard plastics of various origins. A huge thanks and well done to everyone involved. Go #teamnorthwales!

To finish, in the words of one of my team, “I just wanted to say we really appreciate all the help and support we get from our volunteers, local Branches and animal centre as we rely on you all to help us make the most of the work we can do in the day. From helping with clinics, voucher schemes and assisting with taking in animals, we would be stuck without you.”

Thank you!

Chief Inspector Leanne Hardy 783 North Wales Inspectorate RSPCA Cymru