Paws and Peo le p ANNUAL APRIL 2023 TO REPORT MARCH 2024
PAWS AND PEOPLE
Annual Report & Recipets and Payments Account
For the Period 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 Northern Ireland Charity Number: 1019595
Paws and People
Contents
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Charity Information Trustees’ Annual Report Independent Examiner’s Report to Trustees Statement of Receipts & Payments Statement of Assets & Liabilities Notes to the Financial Statements
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Paws and People References and Administrative Details:
Charity Name: Paws and People
Charity Registration Number: 101959
Contact Address: 166A Rathfriland Road, Annaclone, Banbridge, Co. Down BT32 5AY
Trustees: Nadine Weir Sharon Weir Elizabeth Thompson
Independent Examiner:
S.M. Vint & Co 8 Newry Road Banbridge BT32 3HN
Bankers: Santander 34 Newry Street Banbridge BT32 3HA
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WHO are WE?
Paws and People was first opened on the 29th of April 2014, through a pure love for animals and those in need. Paws and People then became a registered charity the following year, on the 17th of November 2015. Paws and People is a small home run rescue located in Banbridge, county Down. It was first opened by a mother and daughter duo, and to this day they continue to be the primary carers for all of the animals.
“ Our main aim is to Rescue, Rehabilitate & Rehome ” animals in need!
The day to day running of the rescue and the care of the animals, is carried out by a mother and daughter duo. (Trustees: Nadine Weir and Sharon Weir) The rescue is run 100% voluntarily and there is no paid staff and there never will be. We pride ourselves in being a Non-Profit, as it means 100% of funds are used on the animals and their care and running of the charity.
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Paws and People is also a No Kill rescue, which simply means we will never euthanize a healthy animal regardless of age, ability or behaviour. The main aim of the rescue and charity is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals and prevent the unnecessary euthanasia of stray and abandoned animals and this work is carried out daily in all the tasks we partake in and all the animals we care for.
The primary focus is placed on helping dogs from our local pounds and other stray and abandoned animals. However, all animals including family pets, retired racers and ex working dogs are among the many that are helped. No animal is turned away if there is space and time available to meet their needs. As a rescue, the welfare of the animals is paramount, this is
implemented through providing the animals with the best standard of care that we can. It is also carried out, by ensuring that all donations given and funds raised are used on the animals, their care and improving their facilities.
Paws and People do not receive any government funding or external grants and we therefore rely solely on the generosity of the public with their support and donations.
Report approved: 20/01/2025
Paws and People Annual Report
Trustee’s Annual Report:
The trustee’s present the annual report and accounts for Paws and People for the period ended 31st March 2024.
Trustee’s, Objectives and activities:
Paws and People is run by 3 trustees who are responsible for the overall decisions made for the charity, but the everyday care of animals is carried out by only two of the trustees. We generally have 1-2 committee meetings a year, with all trustees present. Alongside this, we also have many more casual chats and general meet ups through out the year, in regards to the charity and the animals in our care. If required however, a meeting can be very quickly arranged at any point should any urgent matters need addressing.
The main aim of Paws and People is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abused and unwanted animals. To assist in the prevention of unnecessary euthansia of animals, primarily of dogs in our local pounds or ex racing and working dogs. We fufill this aim through working along side our local pounds, as well as pounds further a far. Through working along side pounds we are helping to reduce the number of animals being unnecessarily euthanised and as a result of this we are able to save the lives of more animals in need. We are also enabling the council to save money which can then be spent else where in society, as we are taking in animals which would otherwise cost them expenses to be euthanised or cared for. During this year, our country was still dealing with the after math of covid and the current living crisis which sadly had us see an increase in the amount of dogs needing our help, not only from the local pounds, but also owner surrenders as families struggled to navigate their way through the after math of covid and the current cost of living crisis. More and more families were surrendering their beloved pets as they could no longer provide them with the care they needed, due to alot of people returning to full time work and not being home as often as they were during the covid pandemic. This offcourse was leading to an increase in animals with sepeartion anxiety and alot of families just werent able to deal with these issues. The living crisis also poses a substantial threat as the cost of everything is increasing and alot of families had to give up their pets as they quite simply couldnt afford vet bills or general costs such as feeding their pets.
We also fulfill this main aim through a number of other methods, such as educating the public on the importance of spaying and neutering their pets to prevent unwanted litters, helping to lower the amount of strays within society. Through also giving
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the public an opportunity to adopt an animal from our rescue, we are able to continue teach them about responsible ownership and the proper care of their pet; which in turn will decrease the amount of abandoned animals within society. During this year we rehomed 194 dogs and cats here within Northern Ireland.
During the year as the country continues to struggle with life after covid and now the cost of living crisis, as a charity we continued to remind the public that we were there to help them and their pets, primarily this was carried out through our online website and facebook page. Sadly though there was still alot of people seeking animals for companionship during this time, there was also a high increase in people needing help. There was an increased number of animals being surrendered with behavioural issues, as sadly during the covid pandemic, alot of animals werent properly trained and socialised. This has meant we also had an increase in animals who had remain in our care for more extended periods of time whilst they got the help and support they needed with their behavioural issues. We also during the year, have ended up with a few more longterm/permanent animals who cant be rehomed due to their issues being more complex.
When an owner surrenders a pet into our care, it can be a very hard decision for some. We do not charge surrender fees of any kind, when an owner is signing over an animal. All we require is that they fill out our simple sign over form, so we can know a bit more information about the animal so we can better assess their needs and place them into a new forever home which is right for them. In order to help with the change and to adjust to life without their pet, we often stay in touch with owners throughout the animals time in our care if the owner wishes. We can also inform owners of when their pet has been rehomed, and although we can not tell them to whom it was rehomed due to data protection, we are often able to provide some lovely update photos of them in their new home.
As of 2018, we also now have a facebook group which has been specifically set up for owners and adopters to stay in touch if they wish. As well as other dog owners to provide support, advice and tips to one another and to share lots of update photos for us and others to enjoy. It has been a great addition to our facebook and has allowed for various adopters to stay in touch with other owners who have pups or dogs from the same previous family or breeder. It has also allowed for great
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discussions and support being shared throughout the year which helps to build up communication, make friends and also prevent animals being given up by owners as advice is available to them free of charge from ourselves, other owners and even trained professionals in whom we are close friends with.
When an animal is adopted from us, we provide full support to each and every new adopter, we are always just a phone call, facebook message or email away. We provide lifetime back up for all animals rehomed by us, should they need us later in life or need rehomed again, they must come back to us and full support will be given. If anyone needs support or advice in regards to caring for their pet, may it be basic care or training; we are always there to provide as much advice as we can or in some cases if an adopter needs a trainers help, we also offer to cover the costs of having a dog trainer attend the home, as this often corrects the problems and prevents the dog becoming unwanted once again. Alternatively adopters can post on the new facebook group that I have previously mentioned above. Good ownership is very important to us and this is achieved through supporting and educating the public on matters involving the care of their pets.
Supporting one another also gives a great sense of community amongst animal lovers. For every animal adopted from us, an adoption contract is signed, not only is this proof of adoption but adopters are required to agree to all the conditions on the adoption contract such as getting the dog licensed, keeping the animal secure and primarily indoors. Along with also agreeing to keep the animal as a pet only and that the animal is not to be used for any hunting, working, racing or guarding purposes. These are just a few of the conditions that families are required to agree to when signing the adoption contract; but each and every condition is important in ensuring the animals safety and proper ownership and care of the animal.
Though our main aim is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals in need; we also feel very strongly in educating the public and promoting good animal welfare. We aim to carry out and promote good animal welfare in order to contribute to the Elimination of animal neglect and abuse that goes on within our Society each year.
Our primary focus is to help educate the public on the importance of spaying and neutering their pets in order to not only prevent unwanted litters but to also lower the amount of stray and abused animals within society as there are a lot of people
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who breed their pets out of ignorance and the animals are then sold or given away on for sale sites without checks to ensure the animals are going to good homes.This is often why so many dogs end up in pounds or animals end up in the hands of the wrong people. We actively put up Facebook posts and talk to the public about the benefits of spaying and neutering their pets. Not only to reduce the number of unwanted animals but also the health benefits for their pets as spaying and neutering can help decrease the chances of certain cancers, and life-threatening infections and can also be beneficial in eliminating some unwanted behaviors such as straying.
Whilst an animal is in our care, each and every one of them is given the best and most up-to-date vet care. We support various local vets in the Ballynahinch, and Moira areas. Before any animal is rehomed they are vaccinated, chipped, wormed, flea treated, health checked, spayed/neutered, and provided with any other additional vet care it may require in order to be fit and healthy. Including operations, dental etc. In order to give adopters an additional piece of mind when they adopt their new companion, each animal is rehomed from us also leaves with 5 weeks free Agria pet insurance to get them off to a good start in their new life. Carrying out proper vet care of the animals in our care, not only ensures they are healthy but it it also helps to teach the public about good animal welfare and caring for the health and safety of their own animals as we post about our work and care of our animals on our Facebook page.
Alongside the best vet care, we strive to provide most nutritious and highest quality diet to each and every animal in our care. The diet for each animal is different and tailored to suit their needs. An example of this would include lurchers and greyhounds that are fed a breed specific diet which includes high quality dry kibble and locally sourced raw meat dog food from various raw food businesses such as Raw Paws Ireland and Primal foods. As well as cooked porridge oats, eggs and sardines and the occasional chicken thigh and wing from our local supermarket. Many of the dogs in our care or also on grain free diets or high protein diets to aid in their health and recovery. We do not believe in giving the dogs random food just to cut down costs, dogs are all and consistent diets that is suited to their individual needs as this helps to provide them with optimal nutrition and health benefits. When random food is donated to our charity, in some cases we are unable to use random foods,
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however we make sure it never goes to waste and we often split amongst other animal rescues, food banks an donors who request help.
Though diet and vet care are paramount in ensuring the animals’ health and well-being, it is equally as important that the animals are given adequate stimulation to ensure a healthy mental health and mind. The dogs are exercised in groups in our secure doggie field as this not only provides them with stimulation as they are able to run and play with toys. But it helps to socialise the dogs with one another and allows them to have fun and make friends which is very important in providing a dog with a healthy mindset.
Walks or also provided as much as possible and we have continued to take the dogs out in pairs to local parks and beaches so they can experience the world and socialize them in different situations and environments. Being out in public also helps to raise awareness for the dogs needing homes which is an added bonus. During our Park walks we practice responsible pet ownership and sure that we always clean up after the dogs. This, in turn, sets a good example for other pet owners around us and when everyone cleans up after their pets this will prevent animal waste from lying on the ground and affecting others’ experiences out in public. Not only is animal waste unpleasant to smell and look at, but it can be dangerous, especially in places where kids are likely to play. Teaching the public to clean up after the animals also benefits the council as it would mean less waste for them to have to clean up.
As a rescue will not only help animals, but we also help the local Society and businesses as we are able to support them through the purchasing of our supplies etc. Through supporting local businesses we are not only helping independent businesses in most cases but we are also benefiting the local community. As well as vet surgery, we also support local supermarkets, butchers, petrol stations, pet stores and Farm supply stores. Supermarkets are supported through us purchasing or daily supplies such as cleaning supplies, postage supplies, food for the animals such as chicken thighs and sardines etc. Butcher’s are supported as we often by the dogs bones to chew on as a treat. Pet stores are supported as we by the food and all other kinds of supplies for the animals in our care. Petrol stations are supported a lot also as we have to go through a lot of petrol and diesel as we travel a lot, we do all our own vet runs, home checks and transportation which can often run up hundreds of miles each week. We also support local mechanics, as our van requires constant repairs and up keep to ensure it is in working order and fit for our everyday charity activities.
Fundraising:
Due to restricted help when in comes to fundraising alongside the cost of living crisis our fundraising this year continued to be quite limited, so all our fundraising was generally done online through our facebook page and website in form of an online auction,
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raffles and general appeals for donations and support. Due to the kindness of the public, our rescue was able to survive the year through many hard times. Paying off our bills as we go, avoiding large bill building up. As well as funds, we have an amazon wishlist, that allows people to donate food and items directly to the animals instead of funds, our amazon wishlist has also been a lifesaver during these uncertain times.
During the year we continued to provide volunteering opportunities relating to fundraising, though we did not gain any active volunteers, fundraising volunteers are always needed and would be a great asset to the charity as a whole.
Achievements, performance and Public Beneft:
Through the year we continued to take in hundreds of animals in need, much like all previous years, our main achievement for this year was our great success in helping and rehoming over a hundred animals in need. Between the period of 1st of April 2023 and the 31st of March 2024 we successfully rehomed around 194 dogs and cats here within Northern Ireland.
As mentioned in previous years, we not only take in and rehome animals, but we also take in special cases. Cases like these are often where animals require more medical care than usual or need rehabilitation. Throughout this year we provide many owners with advice and support in regard to behaviour of the animals, we also took in in a few longer-term dogs from members of the public, which will require a lot of time and rehabilitation due to not having a good start in life. We often keep special animals long term as they are treated or wait for their special forever homes. Due to medical or behavioral issues that cannot be corrected, some animals do end up as permanent residents where they can live their lives out here safe and cared for to the best of our ability. We have quite a few animals that have been deemed not suitable for rehoming. They have been deemed not suitable for rehoming as they do not react well to new people or experiences, so they are safe in our care for the rest of their lives as we would never put a healthy dog down just because they have issues.
As one of our trustees also has a lot of issues with people and strangers due to struggling with anxiety, we understand first-hand how scared these poor animals feel as one of us feels the same fear around people. Each day with the animals is a blessing and we offer is safe and loving environment to the animals in our care regardless of their special requirements or their pasts. We believe that where there is life, there is always hope. We do our best to provide each animal we meet with the happy ending they deserve wether that is in a forever home or remaining with us.
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ADOPT DONT SHOP!
REHOMING FIGURES
Dogs & Cats Rehomed Locally 194
Financial Review
The charity has ended the financial year in a good financial standing and the Trustee’s feel it is prudent to try and have some money in reserve so that in the event of a drop in the donations the charity could continue to keep operating in the short term. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, there has now become a cost of living crisis which has made it hard to raise funds, as the public are dealing with their own personal financial struggles. Any funds remaining from this year’s end, will be a life saver in keeping the rescue running during these uncertain times as we face a new financial year.
Going Concern
The trustees have reviewed the budgets for the year ahead and are satisfied that there are adequate funds in place to ensure the charity can continue and the financial statements for the period ended 31st March 2024 can be signed off a a going concern.
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document and Constitution of the charity
Paws and People, which is also recognised as a charity by HM Revenue and Customs in Northern Ireland, is governed by its constitution.
Recruitment and Appointment of Volunteers and Trustees
The trustees welcome new volunteers to help with fundraising side of the charity, as most of the day to day running of the rescue and care of the animals is carried out by Trustees Sharon Weir and Nadine Weir at the moment due to certain animals in their care needing to be carefully managed around new people. In the future it is hoped that some new volunteering opportunities will become available.
Pay and Remuneration
No trustee received any pay or remuneration during the year.
Organizational Structure
The governing body of the charity is the board of trustees who are listed on the information page. The charity is run by the trustees who work closely on a daily basis to make decisions regarding the running of the Charity. The rescue is primarily managed by Nadine Weir (who is also a trustee).
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Statement of Trustee’s Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustee’s report and Statement of Receipts and Payments and Statements of Assets and Liabilities in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
The law applicable to Charities in Northern Ireland with income less than £250,000 requires the Trustee’s to prepare a Statement of Reciepts and Payments and a Statement of Assets and Liabilities for each financial year..
The Trustee’s are responsible for keeping accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the assets and liabilities of the charity. They are also responsible for safeguarding the Assets of the charity and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Statement as to disclosure to our examiners
In so far the trustees are aware at the timing of approving our trustees’ annual report;
There is no relevant audit information of which the charity’s Auditor is unaware. The trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity’s auditor is aware of the information.
Independent Examiner
The examiner S.M. Vint & Co, have indicated their willingness to continue in office.
On behalf of the Trustees
Elizabeth Thompson- Trustee
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Independent Examiner's Report to Paws and People I report on the accounts of the charity forthe period ended 315t March 2024 which are Set out on pages 15-18. Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examlner As the charivs trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance wlth the Charlties Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under settion 65 of the Charities Act; follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)Ib} of the Charities Act; and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examiner's report I have examined your charity accounts as required under sertion 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65191(bl of the Charities Act. My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records, It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters. My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe: l. That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act 2. That the account5 do not accord with those accounting records 3. That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act 4. That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (l) to {4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention. Thomas Vint FCCA For and behalf of S.M. Vint & Co Chartered Certified Accountants & Registered Auditors 8 Newry Road Banbridge BT32 3HN 29th January 2025 14
Paws and People Statement of Receipts & Payments forthe period ended 31st March 2024 Unrestrirted Note funds Restrlcted funds Total funds Total funds 2024 2023 Income and endowments from.. Donations Fundraising Total income 79,941 79,941 61.968 79,941 79,941 61,968 Expenditure on: Raising Funds Charitable Activities Governance costs Totsi expenditure Net income / (expenditure) resources 738 55,490 4,106 60,334 1,634 70,209 4.904 75,119 4,822 70,209 4,904 75,119 4,822 15
Paws and People Statement of Assets & Liabilities- Period Ended 31 st March 2024 2024 2023 Reconciliation of funds at 31.03.24 Total funds brought forwarc Surplusl(deficitl this year end Total funds carried forward 10,295 3,797 14,092 5,763 4,532 10,295 Fixed Assets Tangible Asset 2,076 2,194 Bank& Cash Balances Cash at bankand in hanc 12,016 14,092 8,101 10,29S Represented by Unrestricted fund5 Restricted funds Total Funds 14.092 10,295 14,092 10,295 Notes on pages 17 and 18 are an integral part of these financial statement¢ The financial statements on pages 15 and 16 were approved by the Board of Trustees 01 29thJanuary 2025 and signed on its behalf bs Elizabeth Thompson - Truste( Sharon Weir- Trustee Nadine Weir-Trustee 16
Paws and People Notes to the financlal statements for the perlod ended 31st March 2024 l. Accounting pollcles The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial Statements are as follows: a) Preparation of accounts on a going concern basis The charity generally meets its day to day working capital requirements from its annual income. The Trustees have obtained and reviewed cash flow forecasts forthe coming year and based on these are satisfied that the charity has resources to provide a reasonable expectation that it can continue to meet its financial obligations as they fall due for the foreseeable future. Therefore these financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis b) Income Income is accounted for on a cash receipt5 basis as the amount is collected and are allocated as either restricted or unrestricted funds according to the terms of the donation. c) Expenditure Expenditure is recognised on a cash payments basis. dl Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturitie5 of three months or less and bank overdrafts. i) Funds Funds are classified as either restricted funds or unrestricted funds, defined as follows: Restricted funds are funds subject to specific requirements as to their use which may be declared by the donor or with their authority or created through legal processes, but still within the wider objects of the Club. Unrestricted funds are expendable at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the objects of the charity. If parts of the unrestricted funds are earmarked at the discretion of the trustees for a particular purpose, they are designated as a separate fund. This designation has an administrative purpose only and does not legally restrict the trustees, discretion to apply the fund. 2. Fundraising Unrestrlrted Restrlcted Total 2024 Total 2023 Raffle PrOdS Other Fundraisin8 79,941 79,941 79,941 79,941 61,968 61,968 17
- Analysis of Expenditure Unrestrirted Restricted Total 2024 Total 2023 Ralsing Funds AdvertlsinglPromotion 738 738 Charitable Artivities Feeding and other supplies Veterinary Dog runs and houses Equipment Motor & Travel Expenses Repairs and Maintenance Depreciation 31,047 32,847 31,047 32,847 22,335 26.477 4,661 1,306 348 70,209 4,661 1,306 348 70,209 5,256 987 435 55,490 Governance costs Insurance Accountancy Postage & Stationary Bank fees Telephone Computer costs Depreciation 798 720 139 1,129 135 1,813 170 4,904 798 720 139 1,129 135 1,813 170 4.904 703 720 650 737 135 1,048 113 4,106 Total Expendlture 75,119 75,119 60,334
- Analysls of trustee remuneration and expenses. No Trustee received any payments Other than for out of pocket expenses incurred. 18