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The Friends of Assisi Animal Sanctuary
Trustees, Annual Report
Year Ended 31 December 2023
The Trustee5 of The Friends of Assisi Animal Sanctuary present their annual report and the audited financial
statements for the period 1 January 2023 to 31 December2023.
The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice {SORPI, 'Accounting and
Reporting by Charities. IFRS1021, in preparing their annual report and financial statements.
STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE
The Friend5 of Assisi is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland and is also
registered as a company limited by guarantee.
The Charity is governed by a Board of Trustees whose members act in a voluntary capacity. New appointees are
inducted in the aims and objectives via the strategic plarn and are provided with copies of the governing
documents of the charity. Training is available via NICVA.
The powers of the Trustees are set out in the Articles of Association. In relation to financial management. they
hav8 the power lo..
accept gifts and lo raise funds.,
enter into contracts to provide services..
buy, or take on lease or in exchange, hire or otherwise acquire any propety and lo maintain and equip it
for use.,
sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the property belonging to the Charity..
borrow money and to charge the whole or any part of the property belonging to th& Charity as security for
a grant to discharge of an obligation.
establish or support any charitable trusts, associations or institutions fomied for any of the charitable
purposes included in the Charity's objects..
acquire, merge with, enter into any partnership, or joint venture arrangement with any other charity.,
draw, make. accept, endorse, discount, execute and issue promissory notes, bills, cheques. and other
instruments. and to operate bank accounts..
sel aside income as a feserve against future expenditu￿.,
deposit or invest funds and to employ professional fvnd managers on such teTms as the Trustees may
from time to lime decide.
invest the monies of the Charity not immediately required for its Objects in or upon such investments,
securities or property as may be thought fit. subject nevertheles5 to such ¢onditions and such consents as
may for the lirne being be required by law and in the Same manner and subject to the same conditions as
the Trustees of a trust permitted to do by the Trustees Act INI) 2001.

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The Friends of Assisi Animal Sanctuary
Trustees, Annual Report
Year Ended 31 December 2023
TRUSTEES OF THE CHARITY
The Oirectors of the charitable company are the Trustees for the purpose of Charity Law. The Trustees who
served during this reporting period are as follows..
Kieran Mccullagh
Tessa Barrett
Bronach Kelly (resigned 17107120231
Richard Mcmullan Iiesigned 14108120231
lan Morrice {appointed 2210712023 resigned 1410812023)
Billy Ellis {resigned 30108120231
Brian Bingham (resigned 0310912023}
Rosie McKerr (resigned 03110120231
Simon Doherty (appointed 0410712023 - resigned 04110120231
Rosemary Glendinning (appointed 05110120231
Tony Mccrory {appointed 08110120231
Joan Cochrane {appointed 08110120231
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES
The Trustees (who are the Directors of the Company for the purposes of Company Lawl are required to prepare
the Trustees, Annual Report and Financial Statements for each financial period in accordance with applicable law
and the United Kingdorn Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Accounting Generally Accepted Accounting
Practice).
Company Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting period which give a true
and fair view of the affair5 of the company and of the incoming resources and application of resources including
income and expenditure of the company for that period.
In p￿paring these financial statements, the Trustees are required to
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consislenlly.,
obseNe the methods and principles in the Charities SQRPIFRS1021'.
rnake judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.,
state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed. subject lo any material departures
disclosed and explained in the financial statementS'.
prepare the financial statelnents on the going concern basi5 unle55 It is inappropriate to presume that the
company will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at
any time the financial position of the company and lo enable them lo ensure that the financial statements comply
with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence
for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detects'on of fraud and other Irregularities.
VISION
The vision of the Charity is a fvture where Assisi is Northem Ireland's leading animal welfare charity and brings
about a day where every companion animal has a happy home for life.
AIMS
The Charity's aim5, as set out in ils Article5 of Associats"on, are specifically restricted to animal welfare and the
advancement of education in matters pertaining lo animal welfare, Care and treatment for the benefit of the public

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The Friends of Assisi Animal Sanctuary
Trustees, Annual Report
Year Ended 31 December 2023
in Northern Ireland and ils environs of the Republic of Ireland by associating wlh the slatulory authorities,
voluntary organisations and inhabitants in a common effort lo..
relieve the suffering, distress. and maltreatment of stray, neglected, unwanted or vulnerable companion
animals that need care and protection by the provision of a rescue and rehoming service and a sanctuary
for the care, protection, treatment, security and temporary or permanent accommodation for such
animals.,
foster and encourage the formation of humane attitudes among people towards companion animals,
especially those that are sick or stray or in need of assistance. and to this end provide practical
assistance lo such animals,.
educate the public in matters pertaining lo animal welfare and the care and treatment of companion
animals.
MISSION
The Charity's mission is..
lo keep as many animals in their homes as possible by providing support and advice to owners.,
lo rescue and rehome needy animals by providing modern facilities wth well trained stsff and volunteers,.
to provide animal welfare education and leadership to all touch points within Northern Ireland.
VALUES
The Charity has a set of four values underpinning ils approach.
Caring and Compassionate
We will always do the best we can for every animal within our sphere of influence.
Dedicated and Committed
We will strive to embrace change and look for new initiatives lo deliver better animal welfare.
Professional
We will train our people and Ireal everyone with respect.
Ethical
We will always slnve for improvement through our policy making via research, honesty and maintenance
of the law in all we do.
RISK MANAGEMENT
Tnjslees have a duty to identify and manage the key risks that affect the Charity's ability lo continue to function.
The Charity Commission defines risk as 'lhat which, if it occurs, would have a severe impact on the operational
performance, objectives. or reputation and which has a high chance of occurring..
The Trustees undertook an assessment of the Charity's business risks and divided these into four categories viz
reputational, financial. compliance and operational. A risk table was produced which quantified risk in lems of
impact. multiplied by risk of occurrence and giving a risk assessment score which is categonsed as either high,
medium, or low. The risk table is reviewed annually. Trustees were required on joining to make a declaration that
they have no personal or professional loyalties that would prevent or could be perceived as preventing them from
making decisions only in the best interesls of the Charity.

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The Friends of Assisi Animal Sanctuary
Trustees, Annual Report
Year Ended 31 December 2023
PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT
The Charity has ca￿fUllY considered the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland's Guidance on Public Benefit lo
ensure that the activil'es il undertook during the year have helped to achieve the Charity's objectives as well as
providing public benefit. The public benefit requirement as defined in the Charities Act (Northern Ireland} 20Q8 las
amended) states that lo be a charity in Northern Ireland an organisation..
musl have purposes which fall under one of 12 descripts.ons of purposes listed in the Charities Act and
the purposes must be for the public benefit.
Assisi's charitable purpose falls under the 'advancement of animal welfare,.
These benefits are the promotion of the capacity of people for compassion by caring for injured or abandoned
animal$. This is achieved through the reduction of the number of dogs unnecessarily destroyed in our local council
pounds, the provision of pet food to food banks and other charities that deal with those who are temporarily
homeless or who a￿ experiencing some financial hardship, relieving stress on people who may be struggling to
feed and care for their pets. This is also achieved through the rescue and rehoming of stray or unwanted
companion animals and educating the public in relation lo animal weltsre and the care of companion animals.
Our purpose does not give rise lo any harm.
The beneficiaries of these purposes are the public throughout Northern Ireland.
PLANS AND PRIORITIES
The Charity has a Strategic Plan for the period 2019-2024. It sets out the plans and priorities under six headings".
Finance
Animal welfare
Education
Comrnunication
Commercial
People
The Strategic Plan was prepared pre the Covid pandemic and has had, of necessity. to be scaled back. The
annual Business Plan was also subject to frequent amendment during the year. The Trustees are currently
formulating a Strategic Plan for the next 3 years 2025 to 2027.
PERFORMANCE AGAINST OBJECTIVES
FINANCE
We were selected as Community Partner with Pets al Home Bangor, received grants from ADCH IAssociation of
Dogs and Cat5 Homes), Mars and the Maureen Boal Trust and were also selected as Charity of the Year {COTYI
by IQ-EQ and Gallagher Insurance.
We held our first Gala Ball in quite some lime, in the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, with over 100 guests enjoying a
great night's food, entertainment and auction. and raising over £20k net income. Special thank you to Victoria
Frazer for organising and hosting such a tremendous event.
Several external events took place during the year including a pizza night at a new Little Wing restaurant in Belfast
with all proceeds going lo Assisi. We also held our usual annual fundraising events such as the Poker Run,
Summer Fair, Doggy Reunion Day, Winter Market and our 3 Santa Paws events. Street collections were carried
out throughout the year.

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The Friends of Assisi Animal Sanctuary
Trustees, Annual Report
Year Ended 31 December 2023
ANIMAL WELFARE
Several sile5 were investigated a5 Potential new locations for the development of a new sanctuary but none of
these were progressed.
During 2023 the Assisi Outreach Programme continued to help hundreds of households throughout Northern
Ireland lo keep their companion animal within the family unit without them being an additional drain on very limited
resources. Assisi Outreach was able to achieve its aims by working with other organisations such as Socal St
Vincent De Paul, Community Advice etc. who contact Assisi Outreach with a referral for their clients who have a
companion animal in need of food and other items.
Assisi Outreach also provided pet food to various food banks across the province, in Ards. Belfast. Newry and
Portadown and to Team Haven. la charity that provides meals to the homeless 6 nights a weekl, for those who
are homeless and have a companion dog.
We continued lo work with individuals who TNR. or those who run small rescues, providing caudoglkittenlpuppyl
food for German Shepherds, Greyhounds. Huskies etc. Individuals who foster kittens that are just hours or a few
days old, received baby milk, mousse: and kitten pouches during kitten season throughout 2023. We also supplied
rabbit and guinea pig food to individuals and rescues.
Assisi Outreach continues lo reach out into the local community, supplying thousands of meals and providing
support for companion animals outside of Assisi's gates.
There was a high demand for intake of animals during 2023 and rehoming was slow. This could have been in part
due to a greater move from home working back to office based. along with the continued increase in the cost of
living. However. staff were very successful in finding forever homes for quite a few long-tem animals.
Rehoming
Cats
2020
2021
2022
2023
121
87
114
192
Dogs
Rabbits
Small Animals
Totals
157
104
88
106
30
29
28
46
84
105
68
102
392
325
288
446
Some storlgs of note from 2023
Do
Dutch, a Malinois x Shepherd, came into our care in April 2023 when he was in danger of being PTS as
he had been left with a relative who was unable to Gope with a large hyper energetic dog that had never
had any basic training. Staff had a very difficult time managing Dutch due to his strength, his stress levels
which resulted in a tendency to bite and grab, his reaction5 to other people or dogs and his reluctance lo
enter his kennel or be left alone. The staff worked tirelessly to find the right place for him and in
NovemberlDe¢ember 2023 they were put in contact with a rescue in England who were prepared to take
him. A recent update advised that he has been accepted into the Northeast England Poli￿ 5ervi¢e and is
doing fantastically well.
Chloe was one of our Golden oldies here al Assisi. She came into our care in December 2021 showing
sign5 of behavioural issues which being older we knew could be pain related. After vel trips and tests
Chloe was diagnosed with arthritis and we saw her become slower bul never le55 happy and she always
greeted staff with tail wags and barks lo say hello. In 2023 Chloe became extremely ill with kidney
disease and, as she seemed to be going downhill quickly. we feared that she would spend her last days
in the kennels. Thankfully, an angel appeared in the form of Lauren who offered lo foster Chloe long term
and she was able lo enjoy her new home for nearly a whole year belore the kidney disease look over and
it was tirne to sadly say goodbye to the best girl.

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The Friends of Assisi Animal Sanctuary
Trustees, Annual Report
Year Ended 31 December 2023
Wheri Daisy came into our care13st year staff suspected that she was pregnant. A scan confirmed that
she had 5 visible puppies, so we prepared lo have her in a foster home. On the 17 of October Daisy
decided to go into labour a bit earlier than planned. Two members of staff stayed overnight with her and
while she showed all the signs of labour no babies arrived. The vet visited on site dufing the night and
gave Daisy an injection to help move things along bul eventually in the morning Daisy had to then go for
an emergency section. At around 11 that day we got the news there was 7 healthy pupsl Unfortunately.
late one afternoon a few weeks later. I￿0 of the pups fell ill and had to be rushed to the vets. The tw
pups, named Kevin and Peter: were having seizures which was very distressing for all the staff.
Thankfully. they both recovered but Kevin just didn't seem lo settle until we brought mum Daisy back to
him and his cries soon slopped. He was definitely a mummies boy, so we ensured that they were adopted
together.
Mylo was abandoned on sile one morning at the start of February 2023 with a note beside him to say he
had some form of bones in his stomach and needed an operation. While staff read the note poor Mylo
began to try and go to the toilet and had to be rushed to our vets where he undement surgery to remove
the bones. He was successfully rehomed to a lovely couple who take him everywhere with them so he will
never be left behind again.
We liaised with local pounds taking in 7 dogs during 2023, building good relationships to help more dogs
in the community and further afield.
In 2023 there were 6 long lermers rehomed that had been with us for 1 to 2 years. Alice, Rosco, Amie,
Samson, Lexi, and Gizmo. All had different reasons as to why their stay was longer than others: but they
all deserved a loving home and we never stopped lookingl They are all doing amazingly well in their new
forever homes.
Cats:
Donald and Daisy were abandoned at the gate ofAssisi in September 2023 and happily We￿ rehomed
the following month.
September 21" was a sad day for the Assisi team. We said goodbye lo our gorgeous girl Ebony who lived
in Harmony House. Ebony came lo Assisi in 2015 as a stray who, on admission, turned out lo be a semi
feral cat and to her, humans were only useful for bringing her food. Over the years Ebony realised that the
people who brought her food weren't actually too bad and she started to trust certain staff members. She
will be 50r8ly missed by all the cattery staff.
Rambo arrived in Assisi in 2021 as he had been showing aggression in h15 previous home. Staff and
volunteer5 worked on his behaviour and in 2023 he went to a loving home where he is very settled as his
personal space 15 respected.
Roger, a1ovely grey kitten came to US through Animal Welfare at 8 weeks old_ Staff noticed that he was
suffering from severe allergies and, following an allergy test: il turned out he was allergic lo almost
everything. including himself as he was allergic lo calsl He was put on a strict ZID diet, bul this expensive
specialised food reduced Rogers rehoming chances. Eventually, in February 2023, he found a loving
home with 3 lovely couple who were prepared to bear the cost.
At the start of 2022. Toto came to us as an injured stray. He quickly became a staff favourite bul
unfortunately, he seemed to really dislike men, and this limited the number of suitable home5. Happily,
after a year and a half. Toto finally found his forever home and settled in as the man of the house.
After 10 months at the sanctuary Josephina, who was abandoned at Jubilee Vets: found a lovely home
and has been thriving ever since. Staff suspected she had been mistreated as she was initially terrified
and this exhibited as aggression but. thanks lo their dedication in providing her the love and security she
needed, she was able lo find her new home.
Smalls-
Gottmik originally came into our care from a private home where she had been kicked. whacked. prodded
with a metal pipe, and picked up by the ear5. When her owners were fed up with her, she was given to
their neighbour who brought her into our care. She was understandably wary of people., especially legs,
feel and hands and it took her some lime to finally start trusting the staff, though she wa5 Still very uneasy
with people moving their legs or feel around her. She was adopted by a family who fell for her quirky ways
and was bonded with their rabbit Bowie. Unfortunately, after 6-monlhs in her new home she went downhill
and passed away at the vets. A post-mortem revealed that the blunt force trauma She had experienced In
the past had done enough damage that her organs couldn't fully recover from it.

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The Friends of Assisi Animal Sanctuary
Trustees, Annual Report
Year Ended 31 December 2023
Buckthorn was found by a couple who were walking in the countryside. They brought him lo us. and the
poor thing was in an awful stale.. he was skeletal. and his fur was matted right down to the skin. In our
care he was given èverything a rabbit should have and he slowly started lo gain back his weight though
an x-ray revealed that he had arthritis causing stiffness in his back legs. After months ol woH(, Buckthorn
was ready to be rehorned and he is now living his best life with his lady friend as a house bunny.
We don't often hear of Stray guinea pigs, but it does happen. A lady called us lo say that a guinea pig was
coming into her garden and squeaking al her for food, and she had been unable to find an owner despite
checking homes in the area. We were coTr￿rned that we would not be able lo fi'nd him bul as soon as the
lady came out to her back garden with veggies,. from a bush out slrulled a guinea pig. After 30-minutes in
the cold winlery night we finally caught him and named him Bush Pigl Bush was bonded with another
male guinea pig, and 6-months later both were adoptedl
EDUCATION
2023 saw an increase in the number of school and youth groups requesting talks and presentations.
predominantly within the primary and 8arly post primary year groups. All talks resulted in both financial and goods
donations with quite a few schools and groups organising their own fundraising activities for the charity-
COMMUNICATION
During 2023 there was a concerted effort to Consolidate our communications.
Our volunteer and supporter E-newsletters were improved and sent out regularly throughout the year with 6
editions of each and the Paw Prints magazine continued to prove infonnalive and popular with supporters and
shoppers alike. The covering letters of appeal lor donations proved very successful. The winter edition included
our Christmas brochure which again proved popular with multiple orders for Christmas cards and other available
merchandise. The magazine is also POPLJlar at various events with increasing interest in the digital version which
facilitates online viewing.
The Bangor Spectator continues to provide 8 monthly opportunity to promote and highlight long term animals
needing homes. Other media activity involved various local radio and television interviews with BBC & UTV and
continued growth across all our social media platforms.
Throughout the year we attended multipl8 events around the province ensuring a presence at animal related
events. At our summer fair. we s&t up an advice and information sland with animal welfare staff on hand lo provide
help to the public.
We continued to play our part as one of S charities working together on the NICAWG group. driving improved
animal welfare legislation in Northern Ireland.
COMMERCIAL
In July 2023. the board took the decision to close the Ballynahinch store after 8 years of ITading. Reason5 for this
were based on high staff turnover, low profit margins, problems with neighbouring tenants and high levels of
vandalism iri the area. An effort was made to relocate in Ballynahinch however, any suitable properties fell
through, and a decision was made lo search for propertie5 in other locations, closer to our 3 rernaining stores in
Bangor, Ards. and Holywood. Commercial rental properties were identified in Saintfield. Comber and Lisburn but
the board decided against proceeding with any ol them.
While the remaining three stores are doing well, there are some issues with the buildings, in parbcular Holywood
where damp and water leaks are proving problematic and investrnent in repairs is required.
The search for new commercial properties is ongoing.
PEOPLE
There were many staff and volunteer changes in 2023 creating a considerable void that needed lo be filled. Seven
members of the Board of Trustees look the decision lo resign over the period from July lo October. Three trustees
were co-opted to the Board in October and are up for election al the AGM.
10

E-sign ID.. 8b9264ba-8554-4cfe-b1cb-22593b35b6ba
The Friends of Assisi Animal Sanctuary
Trustees, Annual Report
Year Ended 31 December 2023
Following the resignation of the Animal Welfare Manager. the structure of the organisation was reviewed and
revised creating Sanctuary Manager and Unit Team Leader posts. This created the opportunity for animal welfare
staff promotion and the vacancies were filled by recruitment from within the organisation.
Staff appraisals were carried out and various staff received emergency first aid at work training as well as f5re
warden training. All staff received Customer Care training and both PSNI Training and a Health & Wellbeing
session were also offered. Several staff had the opportunity lo attend the ADCH conference and The Dog Campus
provided training for our Dog Unit staff free of charge with our dogs having the benefit of manlrailling adventures.
Ongoing volunteer recruitment, induction and training took place throughout the year to try lo bring numbers back
to pre-lockdown levels and a social event for staff and volunteers was organised In June lo celebrate Volunteers
Week.
We had the benefit of a number of groups of Corporate Volunteers working several days a week at the sanctuary
from March through to the end October carrying out painting and maintenance jobs.
FINANCIAL REVIEW (INCLUDING RESERVES POLICY)
The financial statements cover the year ended 31 $1 December 2023 and are prepared on an accrua15 basis which
is in keeping with the accounts of previous years.
Total income was £1,356,322 which is an incTease of £183,708 on the figure of £1, 172,614 for 2022.
Income from activib'es such as general donations. donations by bank mandate, tax claims. Collection boxes and
street collections elc amounted lo £240:168 which was an increase of £14,887, from the 2022 figure of £225,281.
We also received total legacy income of £397.986 which was an increase of £147,912 compared with £250,074 in
2022.
Income from fundraising events Inc￿3$ed by £36,135 from £36.105 in 2022 to £72,240 in 2023. Shop income has
decreased by £17,658 from £575,097 in 2022 to £557,439 in 2023 while investment income increased by £2,052
from £16,679 in 2022 to £18,731 in 2023. Historically rehoming income was treated as a donalion. Frorn the start
of 2018 such income has been treated as a sale and included in income from trading activities.
On the expenditure side overall, we spent £1.006,306 on charitable actsvities compared to £968,266 in 2022 - an
increase of £38.040. We continue to keep a tight control ofi our costs. In total we have spent £1,404,531 on all our
activities in 2023 compared to £1,336,267 in 2022.
As such at 31 December 2023, we had net assets of £1,932,038 compared to £1.905,502 at the end of 2022.
Overall. we show a surplus of income over expenses for the year of £26,536 compared lo a deficit of £277,566 in
2022.
Reserves Policy
The trustees have established the level of reserves {that is those fvnds that are freely available) that the charity
ought lo have. The level of unrestricted reserves that the charity aims lo relain are as follows.,
General Purpose Fund this is a fund available at the discretion of the Trustees in respect of the furtherance of
the objectives of the charity. The level of funds that the charity aims to retain are equivalent to three months
operating costs.
Trustee Designated Fund this Is a fund used to maintain and upgrade sile facilities. A minimum fund limit has
been sel at £100,000 by the Trustees.

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The Friends of Assisi Animal Sanctuary
Trustees, Annual Report
Year Ended 31 December 2023
DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO THE AUDITORS
We. the Trustees, who are the Directors of the Company who held office al the date of the approval of the56
Financial Statements as set out above each confirm, so far as we are aware, that..
there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's auditors are unaware and..
we have taken all the steps that we ought lo have taken as Trustee5 to make ourselves aware of any
relevant audit information and to establish that the Cornpany's auditors are aware of that informalion.
SMALL COMPANIES EXEMPTION
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under part 15 of the
Companies Act 2006.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees
T Mccro
29105120
4 14.'48.'04
Tony Mccrory
Trustee
Dale.. 29° May 2024
12