ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS BOLTON AND DISTRICT BRANCH (Charity Registration No 232243) (Founded 18th February 1895) President: Squadron Leader P G Evans. RAF (Reyd) TRUSTEES. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Introduction The trustees present their annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees are satisfied with the performan of the charity during the year and the position at 31 December 2024 and consider that the charity is in a strong position to continue its activities during the coming year, and that the charity's assets are adequate to fulfil its obligations. Reference and Administratlve details Charity number: 232243 Trustees: Mrs A Clubley Mrs T Davies Mrs L Foster (Chair) Mrs P Holt (Treasurer) Mrs K Kay Mrs SJ Morgan Miss M Needles (Secrètary) Mrs C Walker {Horwich Aux Sec) Senior stafTr. Branch Manager. Mrs J Ashcroft Chief Veterinary Surgeon . Mr D Yates Advi Centrel Cliniclshop: 21 Vemon Street Bolton. BL12QB. T8101204 521160 Independent Acwuntants: Ainscough & Co., 93 Junction Road, Deane, Bolton BL3 4NF Bankers.. Royal Bank of Scotland plc. 46 Deansgate, Bollon BL1 1 BH Solicitors: Woodcock, Howarth and Nuttall, 12114 Manchester Road, Bury BL9 ODX
Structure, Governance and Management The Branch is a branch of (and thus dependent on) the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Charity reg no. 219099). It is governed by the Society's rules for branches12012 edition as updated in January 2022). The Branch Committee membèrs (the Trustees) are elected by the branch membershlp at the AGM. The Branch Officers are elected annually by the committee at the committee meeting following the AGM. I trustees are briefed on their responsibilities as trustees prior to their acceptan of the role. Trustees are also offered in-service training organised by the RSPCA on an ad hoc basis on relevant topics eg. recruitment and retention of volunteers- financial reporting. Branch policies are decided. within the RSPCA Rules. by the committee. Appropriate aspects are implemented by the Branch Officers. Otherwise policles ar6 implemented by the Branch Manager. Mrs Julie Ashcroft and her staff, supported and assisted by voluntee. The trustees meet as the Branch Committee every other month. the Branch Manager, Senior Vet, the Branch Parknership Manager and. when possible, the local Inspector, attend. Other meetings are hèld as required - there are no pemianent sub-committees. The Annual General Meeting of Ihe Branch is held in May or June. The trustees have identtfied that the major risks to which the Branch may be exposed are: insufficient funds to allow operations to continue. loss of reputation through error or fraud loss of income through error or fraud health. safety and welfare issues relating to stsff and volunteers. The trustees actively review thgse risks al their regular meetings which indude operational and financial reviews and confirm that systèms have been established to mitigate the risks. People Matters, a professional HR Consultancy Fimi is contracled lo provide HR support and advice. Objects and public bgnefit statement The RSPCA Bolton and District Branch is an unincorporated charitable association and a separately registered branch of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cru81ty to Animals (the Society), carrying out its direct animal welfare work in the area of Bolton Metropolitan Borough plus North Turton. The objects of the Branch are to promote the work and objects of th8 Soci8ty- to promote kindness and to prevent or suppress cruelty lo animals by all lawful means- with particular reference to the area of the 8ran¢h, in accordan with the policies of the Society. The key aim is to implement the RSPCA'S policies on animal welfare as revised in 2014, with special attention to providing welfare neutering, affordable veterinary treatment, providing advice, accommodating and re-homing animals, microchipping and so on. The trustees have reviewed Iha 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 Charilies Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefrt guidance published by the Charity Commission.
Advancement of anlmal welfar• Under the Charities Act 2011, the advancement of animal welfare is recognised as a distinct statutory charitable purpose. This legislation and the Animal Wetfare Act 2006 indicate an acceptanc8 by society that treating living creatur6s with compassion has a moral benefit for the public as a whole. Whilsl this public benefit is clear, it is sometimes difficuSt to quantfy and must be balanced against any detriment. The Branch's animal welfare work, although local in nature, benefits society at large, and also aims to help people in need with the care of their animals. The next section of this report highlights the Branch's main adivities and the comments in italics demonstra18 the benefit provided to the public. All our charitable activities, as described in mor8 detail in the following pages of Ihis report, focus on promoling kindness and preventing or suppressing cruelty to animals and are undertaken to further these purposes for th8 public benefrt. Charitsble activities pursued for the public benefit We support our local Inspectors by providing veterinary tr8atment to mistreated, injured or abandoned animals. The Society's Inspectorate {as well as providing education, information and advice) rescues animals in distress and enforces laws against the cruel mistreatment of animals in England and Wales by bringing prosecutions. This wort( is key to 'the prevent or suppression of cmelty, part of the RSPCA objects, and promotes humane sentiments towards animals which involves moral benefit to humankind as 8 whole. We provid8 subsidised veterinary treatment for animals which are sick or injured and belong to local people on low incomes. We do this by providing basic veterinary health care at a subsidised cosl at our clinic. This work benefits those on means tested benefits by giving them rinancial help to obtain car8 for CoMpann animals in need of vet8rinary treatment. The ownership of a compan animal has been shown to benefit health and wellbeing, especially of those people living alone, and our reasonably priced treatmenls enable them to keep their animals healthy for longer. We also are able to provide dog and cat food to owners who are struggling finanGially. We provide subsidised neutering, microchipping and vaccination of companion animals for those in the Branch area on low incomes at our clinic. This work helps lo control do¢81 populations through neulering and benefits those on means lestad benefits by giving them financial help lo neuter, V8CGinale and micmchip companion animals, thereby promoting responsible pet ownership. Animals in our cara receive veterinary treatment, vac¢ination. neutering, and microchipping, and are assessed for rehoming. This Wfxk helps to control the incidenGe and spread of dis8as9 and suffering through vaccinatn and neutering. We occasionally rehome animals in need, for a reasonable adoption donation, to people willing and able to have a companion animal (dependant on a successful home check). Whilst we rocognise that companion animals provide measurable benefrts to people's phy&cal and mental health, we consider the provision olpets as subsidiary to the main chan'table aim of this service, which is to reduce animal suffenng. Our policy to request a reasonable adoption donation for animals, and to caY out home Ghecks, aims to highlight the ongoing personal and financial commitment of pg1 ownership. It would not be in the best interests of animals, and ther8fore would fall outside our objacts, to rehome to those who could not afford thèm. We respond to enquiries (both direct and via the Society's national call Centre) from the public about animals locally. The public benefrts from knowing that w& can interven8 to assist animals in need. Wè offer free animal Gare advice at our Advice Centre and clinic. The public b8nefrts through the pmmotion of respon&Tblg pet ownership.
Within the temis of our goveming document, we support the National Society by donations to special appeals, eg the work of the Overseas Departmenl. We supp¢)rt other RSPCA branches, eg helping with horse transport and stabling facilities in the area, and by donations for special projects. We work together with other local animal welfare charities to find spa$ to accommodate abandoned or injured animals, and provide subsidised neutering, vaccination and microchipping for stray anima15 before rehoming by other local animal rescue groups. This work benefits the public by allowing us to help more animals in need. We provide volunteering opportunities for those who wish to support our work. including trusteeship, fundraising, shop work, Glinic reception and administrative work. This benefits IoGal people and companies by providing the possibility of doing work which is compassionate and rewarding and by training people contnbules to their personal development, increasing confidence, heafth, self-esteem and job prospeds. We provide education to students on placement fmm University, Colleges and schools, enabling young people to gain practical, hand8 on experience that will help them in their Caer$. We see the potentl81 benefit of education and preventative veterinary medicine as a benefit to animal wélfare and society as own8rs ar8 encouraged and helped to neuter Iheir cornpann animals, thus reduGing the number of unwanted Ier$ that may become abandoned or neglected. This alleviates thè pressure on dog wardens and anim81 shellers. The preventative medicine that we offer helps people to keep their animals healthy for longer, which is a benefit to animals and owners. In the course of our fundraising we operale a charity shop whiGh helps IoGal people on a budget to buy Glothes, l)ooks and bnc-a-brac at affordable bargain prices. This also helps the environment by re-cycling i18ms. especially textiles, which may other¥wse go into landfill. Volunteers and other support Volunteers play a central ro18 in the work of the Branch.. as Trustees, committee members, and Branch Offioers., helping at the Charity Shop, Advice Centre and Clinic, and assisting at fund raising events. The Branch also b8n8fits from the unpaid outwof-hours activities of our paid staff; those who do not claim expenses to which they are entitled., and those who donate goods for sale or use. Bolton Council also gives Ihe Branch discretionary rate r81i8f in addition to the mandatory relief for registered charities. We estima18 that our volunteers contributed some 4500 hours of their free lime in 2024. On behalf of the animals helped, the Trustees a¢knowl8dge all this help, without which the Branch could not function, with many thanks. Education Our cllnlc is a teaching practice with a contraGt with Nottingham University, whose velerinary students spend plaMentS of 2 weeks with us. We accommodate up to 6 students at any one time throughout thè yèar. Thes8 Students, under the guidanca and tut&lage of our experienced veterinary surgeons, practise and hone their surgical skills, and carry out Gonsullations. This is a public benefit to the individual students and to wider society as we train the next generalion of veterinary surgeons. We also take a limited number of college and school students on day release placements, on which they learn about animal welfare and the charity. There is public benefrt as these young people grow in confiden, leam about the workplace, and gain knowledge and expenence to help them to plan their futures.
Achievements and performance Several Trustees have undertaken training in trusteeship. charity compliance and govemance. We now employ 1 full-time veterinary surg8on, 1 part-knme. and have a regular locum vet for 2-3 days per week as necessary. Our veterinary team work collaboratively with Nottingham University to conduct research projects and publish papers in scientific journals. We have made full use of the new bedrooms, hosting up to 6 university sludenls per fortnigh( with placements fully booked up for the full year. This has given us the ability to treat more complex cases as we can now hospitalise animals overnight if necessary under the supervision of students and vets who are on the premises to monitor and provide treatment as required. Our clinics, running Monday to Friday, responded to growing demand for subsidised vet care as the cost of living crisis affected larger numbers of people: Bolton suffers a high level of deprivation. Aecording to Building a Better Future for Bolton Tackling Poverty Strategy '260h of the Botton population live in an area that is among the 100kn most deprived nationally,. We are pleased to report that the Branch was again ranked first in the North Region of the RSPCA for animal welfare assistance, having provided help to 3490 dogs and 4742cats. neutering 2125 animals and implanting 1862 microchips during the year. These achievements havè only been possibl8 because of the hard work and dedication of our vets, branch staff and volunteers who regulady work very long hours in often difficult circumslances. The trustees would like to record our appreciation for everyihing they do to allow this vital animal welfare work to continue. Fundralslng We identify and apply for grants for special projects as and when appropriate. Bolton Guild of Help has kindly continued to award grants to us. Nottingham University ntribute in support of Iheir student placements. Although the fomial funding partnership with Pets at Home has now end8d we still receive smaller donations from thèm in the fom of pet food etc, A significant contribution to Branch fundraising comes from the SUesS of our charity shop which made a n8t profit for the year of £24,311 (2023 of£27,755). £10.381 {2023 £11,471 of this was sales via Ebay. We would like to thank the staff and volunteers who identify and handle the sales of these items. We receive w81come contributions via sources such as raffles. Amazon. Pay Pal. Just Giving. Facebook, Legacies etc. where th8 Branch is the nominated charity. All the above fully utilise the time of staff and volunteers io full capacity. Flnancial Review The total incoming resources for the year amounted to £438.672 {2023 £455,054) including legacies of £16.27012023 £2.000). Expenditure in the year amounted to £444,583 (2023 £501,596). The reduction in spending was due mainly to repairs and renewal which dropped from £49,523 in 2023 to £4,200 in 2024. There are no material differences in other expenditure. There was a deficit of £5,911 for the year {2023 deficit £46,5421-
The value of our investments increased again by £9,854 by the end of the year, and a furiher gain has been achieved in the first quarter of the current year. These long temi investments are under the advice of professional advisors. The Branch also continued to benefrt from the National Society's door-to-door recruitment programme, receiving income of £21,816 during the year {2023 £23,094}. Reserves Policy The Branch holds reserves for 2 main reasons: In order that levels of service provided for animal welfare may be maintained, and legal obligations to employees met, rf Ihere should be a downward Irend in incoming reSoUrs, bearing in mind thal such a downward trend is liable lo coincide with increased dèmand for financial support. Because of fluctuations in income from year to year, the main variable being legacies received over which we obviously have no control. Legacies in 2024 totalled £16.270. The target level for reserves (i.e. net current assets excluding legacies due) is now calculated as 75 /0 of the totsl expenditure for the previous accounting periods, excluding depreciation and exceptional expenditure. This should ensure at18ast iwo years of operations following a drastic financial downturn. This is now considered to be more realistic than the previous 1 ¢)0 /0 due to the amount of clini[ income we generate and therefore the amount of direct costs relating to this income. The target level for the reserves for the year 2024 was £650,665. and the actual reserves varied beeen £401,709 at the end of the first quart8r at 3110312024 and £422,991 on 31 December 2024. Investment and Deposits Policy The Trustees make efforts to ensure that funds are deposited in accordan with the Sooiety's ethical policy, and also take advice from a professFonal financial advisor. Otherwise they deposit funds wilh the following priorilies- To reduce the risk of loss. funds are spread between several banks, noting the compensation arrangem8nls in each case. Funds ara deposited in order to maximise income. To keep reasonable availability, temi dèposits are arranged to have staggered maturity dates. It is recognised that Ihe interest on these deposits provides an essential income stream at a time of recession when voluntary income such as donations and collections will inevitably reduce and requests for assistance will increase. Overall Financial Aim The overall financial aim is to have net liquid assets at the ReseNe Policy figure of £653.790 and to maximise income from any temporary surplus funds by d8positing in lin8 With the above policy. We also aim to reduce our dependency on legacy income. Future plans From 1 Jan 2025 all this charity's work, assets and undertakings will be transferred to the new charity CIO which was approved by the Charity Commission in July 2024. The naw charity, reglstration number 1209361 will be known as Royal Society lor the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Bolton and Distnct CIO. The work of the charity will Continue seamlessly under thé new name.
Our plans for animal welfare for 2025 are to continue to extend assistance to people in need by the work of the clinic. and to continue to support National Society campaigns and Ihe work of the Inspectorate. We intend to concentrate on extending the work of our clinic as there is an evident increase in demand for animal welfare assislance. We will do this by making more appointments available. and by offering treatments of more complexity. We will conts'nup to work together with other local animal welfare charrties. eg Cats Protection. to benefit as many anirnals and owners as possible. This also gives us the opportunity lo educate owners on the importance of ongoing welfare suGh as neutering, vaccinations and flea treatrnent. There is an ongoing programme to maintain and improve the building. Statement of Trustees, Responslbllltlas Law applicable to oharities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the Charity's financial activilies during the year, and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing those financial statements the Trustees should follow best practice and are required to- select suitable accounting pollcies and then appty them consistently make judgements and estimates that ar8 reasonable and prudent state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. prapare the financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation The trustees are also responsible for maintaining accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of th8 Charity, and which will enable them to ensure that the financial ststements comply wilh applicable law. regulations and trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the ass6ts of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Report approval This report was approved by the Board of Trustees when they m&t as the Branch Committe& on 10 April 2025 Linda Foster (Hon) Chair Mary Needles (Hon)Branch Secretary
Branch Mana er's Re ort 2024 once again has been extremely busy period in which we treated approximateLy 3490 dogs and 4742 cats. including in some inspectorate referrals. The operating theatre is in use d8ily and because of the number of animals we see we also use consultation room 2 where we have an aesthetic machine which means we can have 3 oper8tions going on at any one time. Thisyearwe have neutered 145 dogs, 1980 cats and performed 288 minor operations, 38 dentals and microchipped 1862 animals. David Yates is our head Vet, and we are delighted to have Katherine Duffy join our team who qualified as a veterinary surgeon earlier in the year, our locum vet Haidar MaLiki continues to workwith us a couple of times a week. They really are a great team striving to deliver the best veterinary care possible to our 16500 clients, a number which is still climbing daily. We still have a contract with Nottingham University, and we currently have 6 students fortnightly working alongside our vets, staff and volunteers. Feedback regarding the accommodation again is brilliant, they think the standard of the accommodation is probably the best they have ever been to, and they Love the experience and hands on work we can offer here at Bolton RSPCA. The are currentLy doing a cat and dog neuter study with the University which WILL be published when completed. As you can imagine, reception can be extremely busy, so we were lucky to welcome Janet Benko to reception, and Claire Southern who is a Patient Care Assistant looking after the animals on admission and discharge. Both ladies have been a great asset to our team alongside Suzanne Marsden who was promoted to Deputy Manager and has excelled in this role. WeLI. donel We still work cLosely with the Local and NationaL Cats Protection, helping with their neutering and voucher scheme, which is still proving to be extremeLy successful. We help some of the local charities too like Helping Hands, Diefer's Animal Rescue, Saving strays and Destitute Animal Shelter. Last year I was approached by the Dog Warden department at the local authority and occasionalLy we now do their vet checks for strays that are picked up before they go into boarding.
The relationship with Animal Trust for our out-of-hour provider has been a success and we are in regular contact with the practice. Obviously, fundraising is still vital. We did a Christmas raff le earning us £190. Our baskets were made up of donated goods which proved to be very successful with our clients. We are always looking for people to support in our charity shop. If anyone can sp8re an hour ortwo it would be much appreciated. Please don't hesitate to contact us on 01204-521160. I'm extremely proud to say that we are number one in the region for animal welfare assistance, neutering, and microchipping. Year Stats 5500 5000 4864 . 4742 4500 .4059 4000 342 349 3500 3354 3000 275 2500 219 1971 891 1980 2000 862 1417 -1202 557 1500 1357 222_ 1000 500 350 41 68 76 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Cat Neuters ll Dog Neuters • Dogs Seen w Cats Soen llTotalChipped • Minor Ops As always once again I must thank all the Trustees, staff and volunteers. We really do have a good, solid team, and nothing is too much trouble, striving to promote good animal welfare. I can honestly say without everyone's hard work and commitment to the branch we couldn't have achieved such massive results. Thanks again JuLie Ashcroft (Mrs) Branch Manager
RSPCA. Manchester Group Annual report for 2024 2024 was a challenging year for the Manchester group as the team spent their days investigating animal welfare concerns. rescuing wildlife, and tutoring new staff. We had to adapt to new changes in the inspectorate such as the changes to the RSPCAS scope of service. a different approach to dealing with some of our wildlife. new technology (moving away from paper notebooks to digital notebooks), new branding and unifomis and the changes with the XL bully laws. Also changes to the way in which we care for our boarded animals in private boarding, having a new Welfare Oversight team with dedicated staff means there is more focus on getting animals the veterinary and behavioral carè they need, much quicker and finding the most appropriate places for animals with more complex needs. This spending less time having to deal with the animals and can spend more time on the road dealing with complaints and rescues
The lack of space for animals has been a huge problem in the region and whilst we still have a huge influx of animals coming into us and still having to push back as much as possible on owners wanting to rehome their animals there does seem to be a better throughput and more available space in the private boarding kenn81s. reAht UpdAte During 2024 we welcomed new Anim81 Rescue officers" Kate Sargent, Aidan McGuirk, Mary Curran and Freya Norton. This takes the team up to 18 members of staff which is a huge positive. We are in a much better place with regards to workload, getting to things much sooner. ARO Alex Ashton also began his training later on in the year and we expect him to be a great team member in 2024. Alex Ashton and Jessica Piarce have changed from ARO to Inspector having completed training. This again really benefits the group. being able to spraad the workload of the high number of investigations Manchester deals with. Again we have had help from our Animal Rescue Volunteers who have assisted the group with transporting animals to and from brancheslvets, this is hugely important as it helps free up officers to continue investigating weware concerns. In 2024. the Manchester team welcomed four new Animal Rescue Officers". Kate Sargant. Aidan McGuirk, Mary Curran, and Fr8ya Norton, bringing the team to a totsl of 18 staff members. This increase is a significant improvement, allowing the team to manage their workload more effective and respond to cases more qulckly. Further strengthening the team, Alex Ashton and Jessica Pierce transitioned from AROS to Inspectors after completing their training. This development is particularly beneficial, enabling a better distribution of the heavy investigation caseload in Manchester.
The team continued to re1ve vital support from Animal Rescue Volunteers. who assisted with transporting animals to branches and veterinary appointments. This assistance is crucial in freeing up officers to conntrate on investigating animal welfare concerns. Some of th8 Manchester officers on a litter pick in 2024. Manchester is one of the busiest groups in the country and that means sadly more cruelty case investigations lo deal with. In 2024 we submitted approximately 77 case files to our prosecutions department but investigated over hundred. Inspector Deborah Beats Investigat Mr Dean Savage from Manchester
after he had left his dog Harley with an extreme ear injury. The ear was hanging off and bleeding. the owner agreed to sign Harley over and also two of his other dogs joker and snownake. All were found new homes. The man received a ban from owning animals for 5 years. had a 12 month community order and had to cary out 120 hours of unpaid work. He also had to attend 15 rehabilitation requirement days and pay £400 in costs. Inspector Beth Fazackerley investigated a woman called Ms New from Ashton under lyne who owned two terrier type dogs that were terribly matted and had severe skin issues. She had taken Digby to the PDSA that she said had gone missing and had just found it. It had dry eye which had been left and this resulted in a necrosis of the face and had no eyes. The dog was put to sleep and we visited the house and found the other dog Tish in a crale. Tish was lifeless with crusty skin, hair loss and severe eye issues, It becam8 apparent that Diby hadn't been missing. She pleaded guilty and received a life ban on dogs, 24 weeks suspended sentence for 12 months, 12 RAR days and costs. Inspector Beth Fazackerley also dealt with an investigation involving a dog that had been starved to death. She had been IoGked in a kitchen and Ihe owner had gone to stay with her boyfriend. The poor dog called Ruben was then put in a plastic slorage bin by the owner. Beth attended and recovered Ruben's body and the PM
confirmed the dog had died of starvation. The owner called Butterworth from Bolton pleaded guilty and received a 12 week suspended Senten for 12 months. She reGeived 25 FiAR days and a 5 year ban from owning all animals. She also had to pay £404 in costs. Inspector Jess Plerce dealt with a complaint of a dog called Coco living in poor conditions in a garden. Poor Coco was living in a filthy garden with makeshift shelter with little attention paid to her. The dog was signed over to the RSPCA and rehomed via the Preston RSPCA branch. ARO Lee Ferrans and Inspector Jessica Araujo dealt with a man who had bred some puppies from his friend's dog and his own dog. The puppies were all found to
be very underweight and also had parvo. The flat was filthy with ammonia and faeces. The owner called Mr Davies was from Oldham pleaded guilty and received a ban the matter went to court where he received a ban. Inspector Ryan Kin9 investigated a horrendous case of negled by the owner. W8 received a call from the pet crematorium who had been given the body by the owner Ms Hogan from Rochdale. Luckily we managed to get the body and Ryan was able lo investigate. The owner received a ban on all animals for 5 years with a 12 month communty order, 10 RAR days and costs of £1033. The poor dog called Tiny. a Dog de Bordeaux, had suffered terribly. It had started as a small wound that the owner did not retum to the vets to get treatment.
The team with Manchester and Salford Branch secured the welfare of a rabbit with hugely overgrown leeth. The rabbit called Bobby was close to having the te8th penetrale the nasal cavity and had it been left any longer the outcome could have been very dIffenI.
ARO Alison Wilford and Inspector Rachel Whalley came to the rescue of a distressed swan. The poor swan had a fishing line around its neck and in its mouth causing great discomfort to the bird. ARO Alison Wilford took to action and immediately started to untangle the wire from around the swan. They were ab18 to untangle the wire in situ causing no harm or damage to the bird and rt was released back into the wild once more to swim another day. SÈ ARO Alex Ashton attended a flat in Swinton where 2 adult dogs and 7 puppies were found abandoned in a garden. ARO Jess Pierce assisted in Iransporting all the dogs to GMAH where they received care and treatment. One dog, known as Chai, was emaGiated and dehydrated and a staff member at GMAH immediately look to her and fostered herl Jodie helped bring Chai back to full health where she could really see what an amazing dog she was and officially decided to adopt her. The other dogs were taken to Soulhport RSPCA where they are doing well and being rehomed.
ARO Lee Ferrans, along with the Fox Rescuers, was called to a young fox trapped in a drain pipe in Chortton this month. The caller could hear strange noises coming from his cellar on further investigation, they found a young fox was stuck. Thay enlisted the help of a drainage company, Quick Drains, who dug a hole and were able to release the baby fox. Lee took the fox to Ashleigh Vets Whe they determined it was approximately 4 weeks old. The fox has made an excellent recovery and was rehabilitsted and released. L¥.1 Throughout the summer we saw quite a few birds with fishing line and fishing hooks causing issues and damage. ARO Steve Wickham was called out to a goose with a large hook going straight through its beak. Steve was able to cut the hook free. remove it and release the goose back onto the water. A Auge tAAhkyoM to All tAe 6rAhcAe¢ for tAeir AArd worth CUPPort/
RSPCA BOLTON AND DISTRicf BRANCH ACCOUNTANTS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE RSPCA- BOLTON AND DISTRicf BRANCH We have examined, without carrylng out an audit, the flnancial statements for the year ended 31st December 2024 as set out on pages 2 to 10. RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TrUSTEES AND REPORTING ACCOUNTANT As the CharitVs trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. you consider that the audit requirements of section 43121 of the Charities Act 1993 (the Attl doe5 not apply. It Is our responsibility to state on the basis of procedure specified in the General Directions given by the the Charity Commissioners under section 43171 of the Act, whether particular matters have tome to our attention. BASIS OF OPINION We conducted our examlnatlon in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity. This examination consisted of review of the accounting records and comparing the financial Statements with the a¢cour¢ting records kept by the charity. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning such matters. The protedures 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 financial statements. OPINION In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention l. which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements al to keep accountin8 records In accordance with sertion 41 of the Act and bl 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. AINSCOUGH & CO ACCOUNTANTS AND REPORTING ACCOUNTANTS
RSPCA BOLTON AND DISTRicf BRANCH ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 232243
RSPCA BOLTON AND DISTRicf BRANCH ACCOUNTANTS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE RSPCA- BOLTON AND DISTRicf BRANCH We have examlned, without carryln8 Out an audit. the financial ststements for the year ended 31st December 2024 a5 set out on pages 2 to 10. RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUStEES AND REPORTING ACCOUNTANT As the Charivs trustees you are responsible for the preparatlon of the financial statements, you consider that the audit requirements of section 43121 of the Charities Act 1993 Ithe Act) does not apply. It is our spOnSIbl1 to state on the basis of procedure specified in the General Directions given by the the Charity Commissioners under sertion 43171 of the Act. whether particular matters have come to our attention. BASIS OF OPINION We conducted our examination in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity. This examination consisted of review of the accountin8 records and comparing the financlal statements with the accounting record5 kept by the charity. It also Includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanation5 from you as trustees concerning 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 financlal statements. OPINION In connection with our examination, no matter ho5 come to our attention l. which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements a} to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the Act and bl 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 whlch In our opinlon attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. AINSCOUGH & CO ACCOUNTANTS AND REPORTING ACCOUNTANTS DATE.................................. Pa8e I
RSPCA Bolton and Dlstrirt Branch Ststement of Financlal Actlvities for th Y nded 31 Decem 24 Incomin Resources Note Incoming Resources from Generated Funds Legacies Donations Collections Fund Raising Clinic- contributions received Miscellaneous Income Investment Income Rental Income Received Gift Ald Grants Received 2024 2023 16,270 10,286 22,083 256 312,763 296 12.605 9,000 2,000 8,394 23,172 302 272,851 13 6,993 8,975 15 75,000 383.559 397,686 Incoming Resources from Charltable Activities Sale of Good5 Charity shop Pet Insurance Commission 55.112 57,264 103 55,112 57,368 T tal Incomln Resources for the Year 438,672 455.054 Resources Ex nded Charltable Artivities- Dlrect Costs Clinic Costs Ambulance & Horse Box Cost,. Boarding Fee5 Welfare Grants HQ Annual contribution 17/18 14 285,686 198 292,894 348 266 551 551 286.436 293,711 Charltable Actlvlties- Overheads Staff Costs Salaries and NIC 17/18 65,431 73.898 Welfare Centre Costs Rent and Rates Insurance & Licences Waste Removal Security Costs Heat & Light Repairs and Renewa15 Cleaning and Canteen 11,221 1.593 797 318 11,081 4.200 1,624 10,636 1,402 1,175 341 9,510 49,523 1.046 30,834 73,634 Page 2 RSP Bolton and Dlstrlrt Branch
Statement of Flnancial Activities for the Year Ended 31st December Z024 2024 2023 Administrative Expenses Printing Stationery & P05tsge Telephone Charges Advertlsing Website & Computer Costs Clothing Costs Training Costs Legal and Professlonal Costs Sundries 1,270 1,680 1,779 1,643 1,970 4.349 325 704 3,750 663 5,948 12,184 Flnance & Tax Bank Charges Reduction in Value of Invcst. Net ItT¢¢ov¢rable VAT 4,025 3,377 4,025 3.377 Depreclatlon tEasehold Property Plant & Machinery Fixtur¢s and Fittings Clinic Equipment Motor Vehicles and Trailer Lossl(Profii) on Disposal Fxd A4tA 20,074 209 228 549 28 12,483 361 304 731 37 768 21,088 14,684 127.327 177,777 Cost of Generatln Funds Charity Shop Ovetheads Purchase of Goods for Resale Fund Raising Costs Salaries 16 3,884 20 16/17/18 30,801 25,625 30,821 29.857 Governance Costs Audit/Examination Fees 250 Total Re50urce5 Ex nded 444,583 501.596 Plet Sur lus for the Year -5,911 46,542 Page 3
RSPCA Bolton and District Branch Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2024 ZO24 2023 Tan Ible Flxed Assets Leasehold Property Leasehold Property Alterations Plant & Machinery Fixtures and Fittings Clinic Equipment Motor Van and Trailer BV 312,063 112,3 18 199,744 189,789 7,592 182.198 2,600 1,555 1,045 18.315 17,631 684 16,813 15.167 1,646 3,124 3,040 84 NBV 212.227 189,789 1,254 913 2,194 112 542,704 157,303 385,401 406,489 Current Assets Stock Debtors and Prepayments Cagh on Deposit Cash at Bank and Tn Hand 3,726 2,505 244,284 208,389 3,305 6,138 234,430 178.730 458,903 422,604 Current Liabilities SLmdry Creditors & Accruals Ringfenced Funds 28,165 29,638 36,680 P4et Current Assets 401,101 385,923 l Assets less rrent Llabllltles 786,501 792,412 Accumulated Fund Balance brougbt forward Sutplu&l(-Defi¢it) this Year 792,412 -5,911 838,954 46,542 Balance Carried Forward 786,501 792,412 Page 4
RSPCA BOLTON AND DISTRtCT BRANCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 These Accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP 2015. No remuneration or other benefit5 have been paid to the charity's trustees, or people connected with them fmm the charity. No transaction has been undertaken by (or on behalf ofj the charity in which a trustee or connected person has a material interest. 3. (a) The amount paid for independent examiner's remuneration was.. 2024 2023 Examination Fee 250 250 (b) No material grants were made to other institutions or RSPC 4 The charity has no endowment or other restricted funds, other than a ncutering granl see note 8. 5 Dwing the year the charily had four ll-tirne and two part-iime employees. (2023 8nd 2) The total emoluments of employees for the year were £207624 . (2023 £291,558). Page 5
RSPCA BOLTON AND DISTRICT BRANCH NOTES TO THE AccouNrs AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 6 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Fixtures Plant & Clin1¢ & Fittings Machlnery. Equip. L&asehold IKasebold Motor Property Prop alts Vehfieles Total COST Asat 111124 Additions Disposals 18,315 2,61)0 16,813 312,063 189,789 3.124 356,614 At 31112124 18,315 2,600 16,813 312.063 189,789 3,124 356,614 DEPRECIATION Asat 111124 Charge for the Year On Disposals 17,402 1346.5 14,618 228 209 549 99,836 12,482 3,012 28 125,233 21.088 7,592 At 31112124 17,630 1,556 15,167 112,318 7,592 3,040 146,320 NET BOOK VALUE At 31112124 685 1,045 1,646 199,745 182,198 84 385,401 At OI101/24 913 1,254 2.194 212,225 189,789 112 406.486 Depreciation has been charged so as to write off the cost of the asset, less its estimat¢d residual value, over the balance of it5 usefijl life as follows: 2024 2023 Leasehold Pmpety Leas¢hold Prop¢rty Alterations Plant & Machinery Fixtures and Fittings Clinic Equipment Motor Vehicles 250/0 RBM 25% RBM 25% RBM 250/0 RBM 25Q/o RBM Plant and Equipment was writt¢n off in 2023 at a book loss of £768. Page 6
RSPCA BOLTON AND DISTRICT BRANCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 7 Cash on De osit 2024 2023 Monmouthshire Building Soci AbeTd¢en Group PLL 40,044 204,240 39,008 195,423 244,284 234.430 8 Anal 515 of Current Liabittie5 Creditors Legal Fees Audit of Accounts Advice Centre Costs Clinic Costs Savings Club Balall¢¢S VAT Liability PAYE HR Costs 2024 2023 3600 500 2.413 8,849 463 20.813 42 750 2,327 11,603 463 12.921 ioi 28.165 29.638 57,803 36,680 Ringfenced Funds 36,680 In December 2023 we Teceived a grant of £30,000 from the Pels at Home Foundation specifically for neutering dogs. By 3 1st Decernber 2024 we had used £362 of this amount and tranSfTed it to Clinic income, We anticipate the balance all being used in 2024. 9. Analysis of A¢¢umulated Fulld 2024 2023 Balance as at l January 2024 Income Expendim Balance as at 31 December 2024 792.413 438,672 444,583 786,502 838,955 455,054 -501,596 792,413 10. Financial Commitinents Thc charity had no coJJJmitments at 31st Decembcr 2024 ttot provided for in the accounts. The charity has received llo guarantees. The charity has received no loans securcd on any of its assets. Page 7
RSPCA BOLTON AND DISTRICT BRANCH iYOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 11 Declantions Sufficient funds are held in an appropriate forni to enable each ftmd to b¢ applied in cordance with the r¢strictiolls imposed. The truste¢s have not chang¢d th¢ year end date nor ihe length of the charity's financial y¢ar. The charity does not have material d¢$ignated fimds, other than a ncutcring grant SK llotc 8. The charily did not make any malerial cx-grdtia pasToents during th¢ year. There wer¢ no Dterial inter-fund loans outstanding at the balance sheet dat. None of the charity's functional fjxed assets have be¢n r¢valued during the year. The trustees consider that there is no need to prepare a separdt¢ summary Income and Expcnditu Account, although management accounts arc prepared for intcmal use. If the requircments of the TLUStee Investments Act 1961 apply to the charity, those requirements havc b¢¢n complied with. The clwity bas no material npItalISed fixed assets. 12. Aceountin Pollcles: Cash donations and gifts are Includ in thc SOFA when: The charity is told it is to weiv¢ the gift or donation. The trnstees are rcasonably certain of the amount to be e1Ve(L. The tnte¢S arc rcasonably ccrtain they will re1Ve the money. alld any conditions for receipt are met. Page 8
RSPCA BOLTON AND DISTRICT BRANCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 13 Investment Income 2024 2023 Income Received from Investment a¢counls Bank Int¢r¢st rKeived from ordinary accounts Increase(-De¢rease) In value of Ab¢rdeen Investments ,036 2,752 8,817 12,605 392 2,889 3,712 6,993 14 ADim41 Ambulance Vehicle The detailed cost = Insurance, Tax and Servicing Fuel 2024 198 2023 348 198 348 Thc5e costs are split as follows- Charitable Activities Cost of Generating Funds These wsts relate to the horse trdiler l(Y)Q/ 198 loo% o/ 348 15 Grants From Others Nottingham University Penningtons Mallchesler 2024 2023 25,000 50,000 75,000 16 Chari Sho Overhead The charity shop operates out of the Welfare Centre and there are no spccifi¢ overheads other tILan Staff salaries and the Cost of Ebay postage. Page 9
RSPCA BOLTON AND DISTRICT BRANCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 17 Salaries All salaries are shown gross. Charity Shop Salaries are shown as part of the Clwity Shop overheads which are inclLuled under cost of Generatillg Funds. Veterinary salarieslfees are included as part of clinic costs und¢r Charitable Activities-clinic Costs Salaries of Advice Centre aff are allocated in accordance with an ag fotmula th recognises the likely proportion of ttmc spcnt by individual members of staff. For 2024 this foTmula has been given the following allocation.. 2024 & 2023 Staff I C}Ltable Activities Cost of Generating Funds 20°A 80% 18 St4ff Pension Scheme The Brdn¢h participates in the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST), which is Auto Enrollment Compliant. Th¢ staging dat¢ was 0110612015 and all eligible employees are enrolled. Page 10
The following pages do not form part of the Statutory aceounts and Ydre for management purposes only Page 11
RSPCA Bolton and Dlstrlrt Branch ure Account for the Year Ended 31st December 2024 Income and Ex endl Income 2024 Legacies Donations Collections Fund Raising Sale of Good5 Charity shop Net Clinic Income Pet Insurance Commission GiftAid Grants Received Miscellaneous Income Investment Income 16,270 10,286 22,083 236 2.000 8.394 23,172 302 24,311 27,076 27,755 103 75.IXJO 296 12.605 6,993 Total Income for the Year 113.164 143,719 nditure Welfare Costs Vets Fees and Consumables Net Clinic Costs Boarding Fees HQ Annual contribution Weltsre Grants 19,508 266 551 551 551 20,325 Gross Income after Direct Ex nses 112,613 123,394 Overhead5 Staff Costs Salaries and NIC 65,431 73.898 Welfare Centre Costs Rent and Rates Insurance & Licences Waste Removal Security Costs Heat & Light Repairs and Renewals Cleaning and Canteen Sundries less Rent Received 11.221 1,593 797 318 11.081 4.200 1.624 10,636 1.402 1.175 341 9,510 10,836 1,046 -9,000 -8,975 21,834 25.972 Page 12
RSPCA Bolton and Distrirt Branch nditure Account for the Year Ended 31st December 2024 Income and Ex 2024 2023 Motor Motor Vehicle Expenses 198 348 Adminlstrative Expenses Printing Stationery & Postage Telephone Charges Advertising Website & Computer Costs Audit and Accountancy Fee5 Professional Costs Clothing Costs Training Costs Sundries 1,270 1,680 1,779 1,643 536 4.349 250 3,750 1,970 250 75 704 663 5.949 12,970 Finance & Tax Bank Charge5 Net Irrecoverable VAT 4,025 3,377 4,025 3,377 Total Cash Expendlture for the year 97,438 116.565 15,176 6,829 Depreciation Leasehold Property Plant & Machinery Fixtures and Fittings Clinic Equipment Motor Vehlcles and Trailer Los51-Profitl on Di5PQsal Fixed Assets 20,073 209 228 549 28 12,482 361 304 731 37 21,087 14,684 Exceptional Repalrs 38,687 Net Sur lus for the Year -5.911 46,542 Pa8e 13
RSPCA Bolton and Distrlct Branch nditure Account Anal sls for the Year Ended 31st Oecember 2024 2024 2023 Income and Ex Donatlons To Branch Subsfrom HQ Adoption Fees Monthly Subs In Memoriam Sporssor a Pen Total Donation Income 6.928 197 5,558 201 2,981 180 10,286 2.455 180 8.394 Collertions Begging Dogs & Counter Boxes National Door to Door Pets at Home Others Total Collrftion Income 267 21,816 78 23,094 22,083 23,172 Fund Raisln Income less Costs Net Fund Ralsln In¢ome 256 20 236 302 302 Sale of Goods RSPCA Goods and Wlndow Sales Supply Sales less Costs Net Income from Sale of Goods Charl General Sales Ra8S Ebay etc 39,511 1,247 14,354 55,112 39.576 2.333 15,355 57.264 Les5 Costs Wages Premises Expenditure Ebay Postage Other Expenses 26,828 25.625 3,973 3,884 30,801 24,311 29,510 27,755 Net Chari Sho Income Cllnlc Income less Costs Vets Fees Drugs Clinical Waste Clinic Equipment Sundry Costs 312,763 272,851 172,049 101,088 3,120 3,210 6,218 192.035 90.446 2,552 1,834 5,491 285,686 27,076 292.359 -19,508 Net Cllnlc Costs Page 14