OpenCharities

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

2024-12-31-accounts

(Reg Charity No: 232260)

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024

INDEX TO ANNUAL REVIEW, REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024

Trustees’ Report .....………………………………… Page 1
Trustees .....………………………………… Page 3
Regional HQ Information .....………………………………… Page 4
Trustees’ Report .....………………………………… Page 5
Constitution .....………………………………… Page 5
Areas of Priority
Public Benefit
Governance .....………………………………… Page 5
Training, Risk Management & .....………………………………… Page 6
Related Parties
Investment & Reserves Policies .....………………………………… Page 7
Future Plans .....………………………………… Page 7
Achievements & Performance .....………………………………… Page 7
Branch Statistics .....………………………………… Page 8
Accounts for the year ending .....………………………………… Page 9
31 December 2024
Independent Examiner’s Report .....………………………………… Page 10
Statement of Financial Activities .....………………………………… Page 11
Balance Sheet .....………………………………… Page 12
Notes to the Accounts .....………………………………… Pages 13 to16
Manchester group Annual Report .....………………………………… Page 17

TRUSTEES’ REPORT – 2024

The National Society of the RSPCA celebrated two hundred years of rescuing animals suffering appalling cruelty and neglect from 1824. Our small branch was created 125 years ago in 1899 when local people had got together to raise funds in order to employ a national society trained inspector. The accounts for the Glossop, Ashton, Hyde and Stalybridge branch of the RSPCA declared an income as £47 9s 3p with expenses consisting of one shilling for a branch cheque book and £50 which would be sent to Headquarters in two instalments of £25 the following year. Fortunately, for the branch £81 7s.6p was raised in 1900 from public donations. Because we do not have a copy of an annual report or correspondence from 1900 we can’t be sure when an inspector was first employed in the branch area.

Joyce Armfield Memorial Fun Dog Show – Stamford Park

Three dog shows were planned at the start of the year and it was agreed that our first show of the year be called the Joyce Armfield Memorial Show in remembrance of Joyce who had supported the branch for almost 30 years. Dogs Trust joined us on the day of the show to publicise their dog training courses and offer help and advice to owners who may have been experiencing difficulties.

We have seen an increase in veterinary costs this year due to more requests for welfare assistance with vet fees from owners facing financial hardship and by young dogs and cats arriving in our care carrying infectious diseases which could have been prevented if only their previous families had given them adequate food and, importantly, vaccinations. In September alone our veterinary expenses amounted to £13,921 most of which was for the care of branch animals awaiting adoption.

1

Several puppies and kittens have simply been abandoned in or near our branch area. Finders have taken them to the local out-ofhours veterinary surgery who contact us knowing that we will help if possible. Unfortunately, families seem to be reluctant to have their animals neutered resulting in them not being able to cope with litters of puppies or kittens. We would rather we were asked if we could take them into care before exposure to the elements becomes detrimental to their health. Even though it may not be possible immediately, we are able to refer people to other local or breed specific rescues.

We are always keen to recruit volunteer foster families where there is someone at home during the day.

For many years it has been branch policy to invite all of the four sitting MPs whose constituencies cover the branch area to become one of our four Vice Presidents and following the General Election we welcomed John Pearce MP for High Peak.

We simply couldn’t carry on without all our volunteers who give so many hours of their time to help our branch succeed. Trustees, Adoption Support officers, Foster Families, Drivers, Dog Show Organisers and Judges, members who look after our social media presence and those who willingly help with anything else which is needed to ensure we can continue to help local animals for many years to come.

Lastly, but certainly not least, we thank all our wonderful supporters who donate cash and food to the branch and local veterinary practices which accept our vouchers so that we can continue to care for local animals in need. We simply couldn’t manage without you all.

Irene Platt Hon Chair on behalf of the Trustees

Date: 25[th] May 2025

2

R.S.P.C.A. TAMESIDE AND GLOSSOP BRANCH HONORARY OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS

PRESIDENT: Vacant.

VICE PRESIDENTS : Andrew Gwynne MP, John Pearce MP, Angela Rayner MP, Jonathan Reynolds MP.

HONORARY CHAIRMAN : Irene Platt, 48 Regent Drive, Mossley OL5 9NZ (Tel: 01457 83 3788)

HONORARY SECRETARY : Kathleen Birch

HONORARY TREASURER : Lynn Andrew

REGIONAL BOARD REPRESENTATIVE: Kathleen Birch

RE-HOMING COORDINATOR: Gail Hilton (Tel: 07954 122 481) OTHER COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Angela Clough, Kay Dinsdale, Richard Howard, Anne Kenyon, Louise Siddall; Elizabeth Wood.

A maximum of 14 Trustees/Management Committee members may be elected from eligible members of the branch at the Annual General Meeting & 3 co-options are allowed.

FUNDRAISING CO-ORDINATORS

GLOSSOP: Anne Kenyon TAMESIDE: Vacant

WEBSITE COORDINATORS/ CONTRIBUTORS : Kay Dinsdale/Nicola Whitehead/ Elizabeth Wood/Irene Platt VETERINARY ADVISOR: Vacant BANKERS : Barclays Bank Ltd., Unit 33 Arcades Shopping Centre, Ashton-under-Lyne The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Drummond House (CL)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER : John Simpson ACA

BRANCH ANSWERPHONE: 07954 122 481 WEBSITE ADDRESS: www.rspca-tameside-glossop.org.uk

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/rspcatamesideandglossop EMAIL: office@rspca-tameside-glossop.org.uk

3

TAMESIDE AND GLOSSOP BRANCH operates in the North Region of the RSPCA

National Cruelty and Advice Line: 0300 1234 999

Branch Affairs Committee & Chairman of the North West Regional Board:

Gerry Miles, RSPCA Wigan and District Branch

National Control Centre (Cruelty & Advice Line) :- 0300 1234 999

RSPCA North Regional Office: PO Box BR29, Leeds. LS13 2XL

Welfare Oversight Development Manager:- Matt Sacks, (RHQ) Assistant Director Branches and Partnerships:- Amy Barlow, (RHQ) Head of Branch Partnerships:- Denise McCabe, (RHQ) Senior Branch Partnership Manager:- Nikki Payne, (RHQ)

4

THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS TAMESIDE AND GLOSSOP BRANCH

(Reg Charity No: 232260)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was established in 1824. It is a charity, entirely supported by voluntary donations and its main function is to prevent cruelty to animals. This is achieved by 330 inspectors, supported by 236 animal rescue officers (AWOs) in England and Wales. On average, we have one officer (including inspectors and animal rescue officers) for every 180,000 people in England and Wales. This compares to one frontline police officer for every 566 members of the public (police per capita / Home office report)

Constitution: The TAMESIDE AND GLOSSOP BRANCH was established in 1899 and is an unincorporated charitable association and a separately registered branch (charity number: 232260) of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The Branch is constituted under the RSPCA Rules for Branches. The primary role of RSPCA branches is to support the Society's Inspectorate, giving priority to the acceptance of case animals and those signed over for welfare offences/concerns, or unowned sick and injured animals presented with an Inspectorate incident number.

Objects : The objects of the Branch are to promote the work and objects of the Society - to promote kindness and to prevent or suppress cruelty to animals by all lawful means - with particular reference to the area of the Branch ie Tameside and Glossop, in accordance with the policies of the Society.

RSPCA Areas of Priority in Animal Welfare

(No significance is to be attached to the order in which these priorities are given)

Companion Animals : with particular importance being attached to responsible pet ownership, methods of population control.

Farm Animals : with particular reference to cruelties involved in certain intensive systems, and to the transport, export and slaughter of food animals.

Animal Experimentation : with particular emphasis on reducing both the total number of

experiments which are carried out, and the numbers and suffering of such animals as are in fact used in these experiments.

Wild Animals : with particular reference to animals in captivity, blood sports, exploited species and the use of traps, snares and poisons in the control of wild animals.

Public Benefit:

The trustees have reviewed the outcomes and achievements of our objectives and activities for the year, to ensure they remain focused on our charitable aims, and continue to deliver benefits to the public. We have complied with the duty under the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Commission. Under the Charities Act 2011, the advancement of animal welfare is recognised as a distinct statutory charitable purpose. This legislation and the Animal Welfare Act of the same year indicate an acceptance by society that treating living creatures with compassion has a moral benefit for the public as a whole. Whilst this public benefit is clear, it is sometimes difficult to quantify 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 activities and demonstrates the benefit provided to the public. All our charitable activities, as described in more detail below, focus on promoting kindness and preventing or suppressing cruelty to animals and are undertaken to further these purposes for the public benefit.

We support our local Inspectors by: taking in previously mistreated or abandoned animals, including pets whose owners suffer ill-health, financial difficulties or who have passed away . 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 work is key to ‘the prevention or suppression of cruelty’ part of the RSPCA objects, and promotes humane sentiments towards animals which involves moral benefit to humankind as a whole.

5

We continue to support individuals in need, including homeless families, to feed and care for their dogs, cats and other animals

We provide subsidised veterinary treatment for animals which are sick or injured and belong to local residents on low incomes . We do this through a voucher scheme . This work benefits those on means tested benefits by giving them financial help to obtain care for companion animals in need of veterinary treatment . These vouchers are only issued when an animal is in urgent need of veterinary treatment and its owner doesn’t have enough money to meet the Veterinary Surgeon’s fees.

We provide subsidised neutering and microchipping of companion animals for those in the Branch area on low incomes. We do this on a day to day basis through a voucher scheme with the help and generosity of local veterinary surgeons accepting the vouchers as part payment. This scheme helps to control companion animal populations through neutering and helps those owners in receipt of certain means tested benefits by giving them financial help to neuter and microchip their animals, thereby promoting responsible pet ownership .

We rehome animals in need to caring individuals and families. Whilst we recognise that companion animals provide measurable benefits to people’s physical and mental health, we consider the provision of pets as subsidiary to the main charitable of aim of this service, which is to prevent animal suffering. Our policy to charge a reasonable adoption fee for animals aims to highlight the ongoing personal and financial commitment of pet ownership. It would not be in the best interests of animals, and therefore would fall outside our objects, to rehome to those who could not afford them.

We respond to enquiries (both direct and via the Society’s national call centre) from the public about animals locally. The public benefits from knowing that we can intervene to assist animals in need or, depending on the nature of their enquiry, direct them to our National Society’s inspectors via the help and advice centre, local veterinary practices or species and breed specific rescue centres.

We offer free animal care advice by phone, leaflets and at our public events. Such as our fun dog shows and our continued support of animal adopters via pre and post adoption home visits which ensure that the animals in our care find their best possible homes.

Within the terms of our governing document, we support the National Society, other RSPCA branches and local organisations by collaborating on fund raising events and campaigns.

Voluntary opportunities included: Trusteeship & Fostering, Pre and Post Adoption Support and Drivers using the branch van or their own vehicles to transport animals and supplies. Volunteers are recruited from all sectors of the community who support our work, enabling individuals to gain valuable experience in caring for animals, interacting with professionals (eg social workers, housing officers & CPNs) and other members of the public.

Governance: Up to fourteen trustees are elected annually at the Annual General Meeting and drawn from individuals who have been members of the National Society and Branch for at least 3 months. All new prospective Trustees are briefed on the responsibilities of the role prior to accepting the position and are offered in-service training such as financial reporting, recruitment of volunteers, public speaking on an ad hoc basis as required. The branch is also empowered to co-opt up to 3 additional Trustees, who bring their skills and experience to the branch.

All major decisions are made by the trustees at 11 monthly management meetings each year. These meetings continue to take place online and urgent decisions are made possible through emails and, in order to overcome any barriers to participation in branch management, via phone calls.

6

Paid Staff: The Branch is managed and operated on a day to day basis entirely by volunteers working from their own homes and has no paid staff.

Address: The branch has an address for correspondence only which is: C/O, Heyrod Village Hall, John Street, Heyrod, Stalybridge, SK15 3BW, and may be contacted via email, phone, website or through the chair (see list of committee members on page 1)

Training: Training is provided by the National Society of the RSPCA.

Risk Management: The Management Committee regularly reviews the major risks to which the charity is exposed annually. Where appropriate, systems and procedures have been established to mitigate identified risks. We aim to change our legal identity to that of a Community Interest Organisation within the next 12 months.

Related Parties: The charity is guided by the national body of the RSPCA. The charity is able to purchase goods for resale for fundraising purposes and, most importantly, medicines from the national body to treat the animals in branch care under veterinary supervision.

Investment Policy: There are no restrictions on the charity’s power to invest however it is branch policy that these funds both unrestricted and restricted should be invested ethically. The investment strategy is set by the Trustees annually and takes into account recent demand for funds. This strategy is set within an overall policy which states that funds in excess of short term needs will be invested in low risk investments with a view to ensuring capital appreciation of the fund at a reasonable market rate. In the year under review, income exceeded expenditure by £2,304.

Reserves Policy: It is the policy of the charity to maintain unrestricted funds, which are the free reserves of the charity, at a level, which equates to at least 12 months unrestricted expenditure. This reserve is considered necessary in order to mitigate any fluctuation in income and ensure that our service to animal welfare is maintained, including funds to cover boarding costs of animals brought into the branch for re-homing by RSPCA Inspectors, applications from people on low income for financial help to meet assisted veterinary neutering costs or emergency assisted veterinary treatment costs for their animals, management and administration costs. In the event of our funds reducing to £90,000 it has been agreed that we would cease all charitable activity until funds reach a reasonable level to enable the charity to fulfil its objectives.

Future Plans : We are working towards becoming a Community Interest Organisation to bring our branch up to date with current legal and financial legislation. We are committed to helping owners who are experiencing financial hardship or have lost their homes, through donations of animal food and vouchers towards their veterinary costs. We will continue to recruit volunteer foster carers who are able to offer their time and homes to care for those animals in need of extra TLC, because of illness, injury or age and volunteer drivers who are able to deliver food for the animals of people in crisis. The increasing demand on our finances due to rising veterinary costs, that of animal food and requests to take in and care for more animals our plans to carry out Community Animal Action Days have again been put on hold. We will ensure that our policies and procedures are updated on a regular basis following the National Society and Charity Commission’s guidelines. We intend to work closely with our neighbouring branches in order to help as many animals and their owners as possible

Achievements and Performance :

We continue to assist owners to access the services of local private veterinary practices which accept our veterinary vouchers for emergency treatment and/or neutering.

We donate pet food to local food banks for owners who are experiencing extreme financial hardship and to deliver food to individuals who have experienced an unexpected or sudden change in their fortunes. This has meant that families have been able to continue to feed their animals and no longer had to forego meals themselves or be faced with the prospect of having to give up their much loved companion animals. We liaise with local veterinary surgeons to help fund extra expense involved in the treatment of strays (mainly cats) and take them into branch care if we have room.

7

BRANCH STATISTICS

----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2023
ANIMALS REHOMED
DOGS CATS MISC (incl Rabbits) TOTAL TOTAL
78 112 0 190 304
WELFARE NEUTERING - Privately owned
DOGS CATS MISC (incl Rabbits) TOTAL TOTAL
22 21 1 44 87
WELFARE TREATMENT – Privately owned
DOGS CATS MISC (incl Rabbits) TOTAL TOTAL
6 17 1 24 22
----- End of picture text -----

2024 saw a significant decrease in the number of dogs and cats rehomed in the year under review. Adoptions fell being 62.5% of the 2023 total (106 dogs, 196 cats and 2 rabbits). It is thought as more people have returned to full time working and despite the cost of veterinary care which has greatly increased, our neutering vouchers are not needed or requested as urgently as in previous years.

At the end of 2023 we had 6 dogs and 25 cats in branch care, with ages ranging from very young to late teenagers. Due to our recent milder winters it seems that the “kitten season” now lasts all year round.

8

Registered Charity No 232260

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024

9

Report of the Independent Examiner to the Trustees of The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Tameside & Glossop Branch

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 11 to 16.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items for disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations 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 no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s qualified statement

This charity, in common with many others of similar size and organisation, derives a substantial proportion of its income from voluntary donations which cannot be fully controlled until they are entered into the accounting records, and are therefore not susceptible to independent verification.

In connection with my examination, no other matter, except that referred to in the above paragraph, has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements

  2. to keep accounting record in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or

  4. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached

John A Simpson Chartered Accountant

Date 16[th] June 2025

48 Bredbury Green, Romiley, Stockport, SK6 3DN

10

Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 December 2024

Notes
Incoming Resources
Donations, legacies and similar
2
incoming resources
Activities in furtherance of the
charity's
objective
3
Activities for generating funds
4
Investment income
5
Total incoming resources
Resources Expended
Costs of generating funds
6
Charitable expenditure:
Activities in furtherance of the
charity's
objects
7
Management and administration
8
Total resources expended
Net movement in funds for the
year
Balance at 1 January 2024/23
Balance at 31 December 2024/23		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
64,534
0
64,534
83,250
44,698
0
44,698
45,667
0
0
0
0
2,984
0
2,984
1,823
112,216
0
112,216
130,740
0
0
0
0
105,199
0
105,199
107,126
4,713
0
4,713
4,334
109,912
0
109,912
111,460
2,304
0
2,304
19,280
210,729
0
210,729
191,449
213,033
0
213,033
210,729

The notes on pages 13 to 16 form part of these accounts.

11

THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS TAMESIDE AND GLOSSOP BRANCH

Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024
Notes
Fixed assets
Motor Vehicles
10
Investments
11
Current assets
Stocks
Cash at bank
Creditors: amounts falling
due
12
within one year
Net current assets
Total net assets
Funds
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Total funds		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
£
£
0
0
75
0		 Total
Total
2024
2023
£
£
0
0
75
75
75
0		 75
75
1,649
0
215,037
0		 1,649
818
215,037
220,478
216,686
0		 216,686
221,296
3,728
0		 3,728
10,642
212,958
0		 212,958
210,654
213,033
210,729
213,033
0
213,033
210,729
0
0
213,033
210,729

Approved by the board of trustees on 29[th] May 2025 and signed on its behalf by Lynn Andrew

The notes on pages 13 to 16 form part of these accounts

12

Notes to the accounts

THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS TAMESIDE & GLOSSOP BRANCH

for the year ended 31 December 2024

1 Accounting Policies

Basis of preparation

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to the accounts.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102 and with the Charities Act 2011.

The charity constitutes a public benefit as defined by FRS 102.

Incoming resources

Donations, legacies and similar incoming resources - These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:

the charity becomes entitled to the donation, legacy or similar income and any conditions for the receipt are met;

The trustees are reasonably certain they will receive it; and

The trustees are reasonably certain that its value can be reliably measured.

Tax reclaims on donations and gifts - Incoming resources from tax claims are included on the SOFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate.

Investment income - This and any tax credits are included in the accounts when receivable

Expenditure and liabilities

Generally liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure.

Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity, when owned, are stated at cost less depreciation. The van has been fully depreciated.

Investments

Investments are stated at market value at the balance sheet date. The SOFA includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluation.

Stocks

Stocks consist of purchased goods for resale. Stocks are valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Items donated for resale are not included in the accounts until they are sold.

13

THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

TAMESIDE & GLOSSOP BRANCH

Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31 December 2024

2 Donations and gifts
Subscriptions
Collection boxes
General donations
Legacies
Miscellaneous
Profit share		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2024
£
156
156
656
656
34,396
34,396
2,000
2,000
20,226
20,226
7,100
7,100
64,534
0
64,534		 2023
£
136
838
26,951
50,000
515
4,810
83,250
3 Activities in furtherance
of the charity's objects
Special events
Animal sales and adoptions
4 Activities for general
funds
Sales of goods
5 Investment income
Bank interest
Dividends
6 Costs of generating
funds
Event expenses		 2024
£
238
44,460
44,698
2024
£
-
2024
£
2,979
5
2,984
2024
£
0
0		 2023
£
217
45,450
45,667
2023
£
-
2023
£
1,823
-
1,823
2023
£
0
0

14

THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS TAMESIDE & GLOSSOP BRANCH

Notes to the accounts For the year ended 31 December 2024

7
Activities in furtherance of the
charity's objects
Vets fees – (assisted
neutering & welfare
treatment vouchers)
Boarding
Home-checker, fostering
expenses & associated
Veterinary fees.
Branch contribution to RSPCA
Cat fostering and expenses
Depreciation
Vehicle costs
8
Management and
administration
Postage and stationary
Other costs incl room hire
Independent examiner's fees		 Unrestricted
Restricted
£
£
10,507
43,157
47,698
1,378
1,602
-
857		 2024
£
10,507
43,157
47,698
1,378
1,602
-
857
105,199
2024
£
292
3,821
600
4,713		 2023
£
5,493
45,728
44,640
6,064
2,006
-
3,195
105,199
0		 107,126
2023
£
272
3,512
550
4,334

9 Trustees' remuneration

The trustees received no remuneration during the year ended 31 December 2024 ( 2023: £ Nil ).

During 2024 trustees expenses for RSPCA business amounted to £2,053 (2023 £3,131)

15

THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS TAMESIDE & GLOSSOP BRANCH

Notes to the accounts For the year ended 31 December 2024

10
Fixed Assets
Motor Vehicle
Cost at 01 January 2024
Addition
Cost at 31 December 2024
Accumulated Depreciation at 01/01/24
Depreciation 2024
Accumulated Depreciation at 31/12/24
Net Book Value at 31/12/24
11
Investments
Market value at 1 January 2024
(Loss) / gain on revaluation during year.
Market value at 31 December 2024
Historical cost at 31 December 2024
All investments are listed UK securities
12
Creditors
Accruals
13
Related party transactions		 2024
£
7,158
0
7,158
7,158
0
7,158
0
2024
£
75
0
75
24
2024
£
3,728
3,728		 2023
£
75
0
75
24
2023
£
10,642
10,642

Goods and services were purchased from the national RSPCA charity to the value of £6,940. These goods were either sold during the year or held in stock at the year end. The total also includes medicines purchased for the treatment of animals.

The charity received £50,005 from the National RSPCA mainly relating to door to door collections and other legacies.

16

RSPCA Manchester Group Annual report for 2024

Summary

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 uniforms 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 behavioural care they need, much quicker and finding the most appropriate places for animals with more complex needs. Thus 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 kennels.

Team Update

During 2024 we welcomed new Animal 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 Pierce have changed from ARO to Inspector having completed training. This again really benefits the group, being able to spread 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 branches/vets, this is hugely important as it helps free up officers to continue investigating welfare concerns.

In 2024, the Manchester team welcomed four new Animal Rescue Officers: Kate Sargent, Aidan McGuirk, Mary Curran, and Freya Norton, bringing the team to a total of 18 staff members. This increase is a significant improvement, allowing the team to manage their workload more effectively and respond to cases more quickly.

17

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 receive 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 concentrate on investigating animal welfare concerns.

Case investigations

Manchester is one of the busiest groups in the country and that means sadly more cruelty case investigations to deal with. In 2024 we submitted approximately 77 case files to our prosecutions department but investigated over hundred.

Inspector Deborah Beats investigated 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 Snowflake. 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 carry 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 crate. Tish was lifeless with crusty skin, hair loss and severe eye issues. It became 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 locked in a kitchen and the owner had gone to stay with her boyfriend. The poor dog called Ruben was then put in a plastic storage 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 sentence for 12 months. She received 25 RAR days and a 5 year ban from owning all animals. She also had to pay £404 in costs.

18

Inspector Jess Pierce 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 when the matter went to court.

Inspector Ryan King investigated a horrendous case of neglect by the owner. We 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 to investigate. The owner received a ban on all animals for 5 years with a 12 month community 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 return to the vets to get treatment.

Rescues

The team with Manchester and Salford Branch secured the welfare of a rabbit with hugely overgrown teeth. The rabbit called Bobby was close to having the teeth penetrate the nasal cavity and had it been left any longer the outcome could have been very different.

19

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 able to untangle the wire in situ causing no harm or damage to the bird and it was released back into the wild once more to swim another day.

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 transporting all the dogs to GMAH where they received care and treatment. One dog, known as Chai, was emaciated and dehydrated and a staff member at GMAH immediately took to her and fostered her! 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 Southport 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 Chorlton this month. The caller could hear strange noises coming from his cellar, on further investigation they found a young fox was stuck. They 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 where they determined it was approximately 4 weeks old. The fox has made an excellent recovery and was rehabilitated and released.

20

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 huge thank you to all the branches for their hard work and support

21

(Registered Charity No: 232260) www.rspca-tameside-glossop.org.uk office@rspca-tameside-glossop.org.uk www.facebook.com/rspcatamesideandglossop twitter: twitter.com/RSPCAbranch Answerphone 0795 412 2481