rspca taylors rehoming centre

2013 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF
RSPCA WEST DORSET BRANCH
(also known as RSPCA WEST DORSET AND AXMINSTER BRANCH)
Charity number 248616
CONTACT DETAILS
Contact Address: PO Box 5460, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 6WH
Website: www.westdorsetrspca.org
Email: mail@westdorsetrspca.org
The Branch owns and runs Taylor’s Re-homing Centre.
Address: Higher Dairy, Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8PY
Email: taylors@westdorsetrspca.org
TRUSTEES / BRANCH OFFICIALS
Chairman: Allan Evans
Treasurer: Sue Simmonds
Secretary: Fiona Renouf
Other Trustees:
Julie Burgess - Home Visiting
Eleanor Evans – Taylor’s and Shops Staff Line Manager
Jill Kirkby - Sherborne Auxiliary
George Kirkby – Sherborne Auxiliary
Susan Stow – Website manager and Membership secretary
Collette Weston – Fundraising and fostering (elected 6 February 2013)
Paul Weston – Fundraising, Health and Safety and fostering (elected 6 February 2013)
MEMBERSHIP
If you know anyone who would be interested in joining the RSPCA please contact us for a membership
form. If you would like to support Taylor’s Rehoming Centre, please consider becoming a ‘Friend Of
Taylors’ – you will find a membership form later in this Annual Report.
OTHER RELEVANT CONTACTS
RSPCA National Society:
Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 9RS
Cruelty line: 0300 1234 999
Advice line: 0300 1234 555
Website: www.rspca.org.uk
RSPCA South West Regional Headquarters:
Blackhat Lane, Bakers Hill, Exeter, EX2 9TA
ADVISORS
Bankers:
Independent examiner:
Lloyds, 92 St Mary Street, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8PA
IM Carrington MA FCA, Edwards and Keeping, Chartered Accountants,
Unity Chambers, 34 High East Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1HA
AN URGENT APPEAL
The economic recession has affected us all, and we desperately need your
help so we can continue to help local animals. We know how tough it can be
to make ends meet so we are only asking if you could please consider a
regular donation of just £2.50 a month. Every penny really does count.
In order to continue our work we need to
raise in the region
£300,000 a year
We receive no lottery or government
funding
Just £2.50 a month could
make all the difference
Please consider making a regular
donation towards our work.
We are grateful for any amount,
however large or small.
Our ability to continue helping local
animals depends entirely upon the
support of local people.
_________________________________________________________
Please complete the standing order form on the next page and send to:RSPCA WEST DORSET BRANCH,
PO BOX 5460, WEYMOUTH, DT3 6WH.
(If you would prefer to make a one off donation, please make cheques
payable to RSPCA West Dorset Branch and send to the address above)
Your Name
Your Address
Email Address
MY REGULAR DONATION TO RSPCA WEST DORSET
Please complete the Standing Order mandate below. You may, of course, cancel this
instruction at any time simply by contacting your Bank.
Please complete the form below, detach the page and send to:RSPCA WEST DORSET BRANCH,
PO BOX 5460, WEYMOUTH, DT3 6WH. NOT TO YOUR BANK
NAME OF YOUR BANK / BUILDING SOCIETY
________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS OF YOUR BANK / BUILDING SOCIETY BRANCH
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
PLEASE PAY LLOYDS BANK, WEYMOUTH BRANCH
ACCOUNT No. __________ SORT CODE
(we will complete these details)
FOR THE CREDIT OF RSPCA WEST DORSET BRANCH
THE SUM OF (FIGURES) £________________________________________
THE SUM OF (WORDS)___________________________________________
COMMENCING (DATE OF FIRST PAYMENT) _______________________
AND THEREAFTER EVERY MONTH (OR) YEAR PLEASE DELETE ONE
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE IN WRITING.
PLEASE DEBIT MY ACCOUNT ACCORDINGLY
NAME OF ACCOUNT TO BE DEBITED ____________________________
ACCOUNT NUMBER ___________________________________________
SORT CODE ___________________________________________________
NAME ________________________________________________________
SIGNED _______________________________________________________
DATE ________________________________________________________
If you are a UK Taxpayer we can reclaim the tax paid on your
donation. Please complete the box below and your donation will be worth
at least 20% more at no extra cost to yourself.
GIFT AID DECLARATION
I CONFIRM THAT I PAY INCOME TAX OR CAPITAL GAINS TAX IN THE UK AT LEAST
EQUAL TO THE AMOUNT THE RSPCA WILL RECLAIM.
I WISH THE RSPCA TO RECLAIM TAX ON MY DONATION OF
£................
All future donations made by me may be treated as
Gift Aid donations until I notify you otherwise.•
DATE __________________________
SIGNED _________________________
*Please let us know if you sign the declaration and later cease to pay tax.
A MESSAGE FROM THE BRANCH CHAIRMAN
This year I should like to appeal to each and every one of you. We as a branch have found it increasingly
difficult to fund our rehoming and welfare work for all the very needy animals that are out there within our
catchment area; however we do strive to do what we can for them as they are unable to help themselves.
Unfortunately all the best plans do not always come to fruition, we have had to lose some staff at Taylors
and make other cuts this year due to falling income and donations not keeping pace with our outgoings
with the increase in running costs, medicines and veterinary bills etc.
We as a committee and branch are all too aware that we are unable to do as much for dogs as we would
like. To this end, we are desperately in need of some land to enable us to kennel and re-home dogs.
If anyone is in a position to either donate or sell us a plot of land then this would enable unwanted and illtreated dogs to have a better future and of course we will be very glad to talk with you.
Thank you all again, especially to Lisa, Tess and all the team at Taylors and to Jill, George and all the
volunteers within the Sherborne Auxiliary, not forgetting the staff and volunteers at the shops together
with the officers and Committee members who put in relentless hours of their time to ensure the wellbeing
of the animals. Last but certainly not least, thank you to you the public for all your very kind support
whether it be monetary, donations of goods, or your time.
Allan K Evans
Chairman, RSPCA West Dorset Branch
_____________________________________________________________________________
Many thanks to Anthony Foot of Lorant Photographic Services for the
animal photos in this report.
All animals featured were re-homed through Taylor’s Rehoming Centre.
www.lorantphotographics.co.uk
_____________________________________________________________________________
LEGACIES – OUR LIFELINE
In the past the RSPCA West Dorset Branch has been deeply indebted to those supporters who have
been kind enough to remember the Branch in their wills. It was thanks to the generosity of two ladies who
made bequests to the Branch in their wills that the 'Taylor's Rehoming Centre' project was able to go
ahead, and we have since received additional generous legacies which have enabled us to continue
helping animals in need. It is a tribute to their love for animals that in the years to come we will be able to
help many hundreds of creatures find loving new homes. Please remember that if you wish the money to
be spent helping animals in the West Dorset area, or at 'Taylor's', your will must be specifically worded to
mention the West Dorset Branch. Any member wishing to leave a legacy to the RSPCA West Dorset
Branch may find the following wording useful:
“I give the sum of £_________ to the Royal
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
West Dorset Branch (Registered Charity No.
248616) and I declare that the receipt of the
Honorary Treasurer or other proper officer for
the time being of the said Branch shall be
sufficient discharge for the said legacy.”
If you already have a will, your solicitor can add to it
a section (a codicil) based on the above words.
TREASURER’S REVIEW OF 2013
1. Fundraising
The three shops are still our main earners and have a combined profit of £36,484. The Branch wishes to
thank all the staff and volunteers for their continued hard work during the year.
Taylor’s Rehoming Centre attracted donations and contributions of £20,033, in addition to Friends of
Taylor’s who made regular donations amounting to £3,357. The rehoming donations of £12,971 showed
a small increase in the amount raised. Other donations received by the Branch totalled £37,476
Legacies and funeral donations of £2,190 were received in the year. The Branch wishes to thank the
thoughtfulness of supporters and their families at such a sad time for the donations as they continue to be
of assistance in helping local animals in our care.
Our fundraising events such as Taylor’s open day, Quiz Nights and all the events held in Sherborne,
Axminster, Lyme Regis and Charmouth raised £15,745. The Branch would like to say a huge thank you
to the trustees, Lisa and all her staff at the rehoming centre, Jill and George Kirkby in Sherborne and their
supporters and to Carol Pickering and Val Cronin in Axminster, Lyme Regis and Charmouth and all their
supporters for all their hard work in organising and running the events to raise money for the animals.
2. Performance
The income from fundraising, legacies and other donations is used to meet the four main charitable
objectives of the Branch set with regards to public benefit.
The main charitable objective is addressed by taking into care and rehoming unwanted and stray pets.
This is achieved through Taylor’s Rehoming Centre in Dorchester but also extends to providing financial
support with neutering, vaccination and micro-chipping. Taylor’s total running costs were £143,390.
Re-homing: Numbers of animals re-homed by Taylor’s
CATS
RABBITS
HENS
OTHER
2011
224
62
359
162
2012
216
64
333
162
2013
221
48
297
94
The second charitable objective is addressed by providing welfare assistance with veterinary treatment.
Costs met this year amounted to £19,640. The Neutering and Micro Chipping Scheme for this year was
in Dorchester / Piddlehinton. This saw 21 cats neutered at a cost of £1,641.
Welfare : Veterinary procedures financially assisted by the Branch
CATS
DOGS
OTHER
MEDICAL
NEUTERING
MEDICAL
NEUTERING
MEDICAL
NEUTERING
2012
63
119
80
42
5
5
2013
74
192
80
59
11
3
I would like to thank all our local vets and their staff who give their full support to Taylor’s and assist with
our welfare work by dealing with much of the administration of the scheme, providing advice and giving
much appreciated discounts.
The remaining charitable objectives are to support local wildlife sanctuaries and contribute to regional
schemes to help animals which we have continued to do throughout the year.
3. Looking to the future
The economic downturn has continued to hit the Branch this year with considerable losses made. The
shops profit was down on last year and donations received were reduced. Our operating costs have
increased as have the welfare costs for the animals.
We as trustees are committed to meeting our charitable objectives and continue to receive help from
Branch Supporters through donated time and fundraising events. However reductions to all outgoings
including welfare payments will have to be made in 2014 to ensure that the branch continues to operate
in 2014 and beyond.
Sue Simmonds
Treasurer, RSPCA West Dorset Branch
INCOME 2013
£233,480
EXPENDITURE 2013
£284,600
A FULL COPY OF OUR 2013 AUDITED ACCOUNTS IS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE
www.westdorsetrspca.org
RSPCA WEST DORSET BRANCH
EXPLAINING
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
Our charitable objectives
We promote the work and objects of the national RSPCA, being to prevent cruelty, promote kindness,
and to alleviate the suffering of animals, in the West Dorset and Axminster (Devon) area.
Our charitable activities
We take in to care and rehome unwanted and stray pets through “Taylors Rehoming Centre”.
We assist pet owners in the Branch area who are on low incomes with payment for veterinary treatment.
We support local wildlife sanctuaries, which saves the animals from long journeys to RSPCA wildlife
centres.
We contribute to south west regional RSPCA schemes, which helps animals in our local branch area.
How we are organised (structure, governance and management)
The charity is a branch of the South West Regional and National RSPCA and was registered on 13 July
1966 (number 248616). It is governed by the RSPCA Branch model rules and subject to the overall
supervision of the RSPCA, but otherwise manages its own affairs and finances independently.
The charity is run by the branch committee whose members are the charity’s trustees. The Committee is
elected by branch members at the AGM (7 to 14 trustees), or may be co-opted by the existing committee
if they have particular skills required (up to 3 trustees may be co-opted). A declaration of willingness to
act must be completed before being eligible to vote at meetings. Induction and training is covered by the
provision of information packs and booklets from the National Society and the Charity Commission, as
well as guidance and training from existing committee members.
There are three lead officer posts, Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary, and additionally nominated
trustees take a lead responsibility for such things as line management of the re-homing centre, shops and
website management.
Trustees receive support and advice from the Branch Support Specialist (from the South West Regional
RSPCA) who attends branch committee meetings and is always on hand to offer guidance.
Additionally one trustee is elected to the
South West Regional Board, which
meets on a regular basis to agree and
assess campaigns, networking and
home visiting schemes, and receives
information on Inspectorate issues.
There are also opportunities for trustees
to visit the National HQ at Horsham,
which provides valuable insight into the
national and international work carried
out. Areas include work with wildlife,
scientific research, special operations
and fundraising.
The trustees are legally required to draw
up and implement a Risk Management
Strategy. Once it is in operation daily implementation can be delegated, but the final responsibility lies
with the trustees, who are liable for any infringement. Our Risk Management Strategy has been put in
writing and made available to our Auditors and the Charity Commission.
Objects and public benefit statement
1.
The RSPCA West Dorset Branch is an unincorporated charitable association and a separately
registered branch of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (the Society),
carrying out its direct animal welfare work in the area of West Dorset (and Axminster).
2.
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, in accordance with the policies of the Society.
3.
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 2006 to have due regard to public
benefit guidance published by the Commission.
Advancement of animal welfare
4.
Under the Charities Act 2006, 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.
5.
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 (in italics). All our
charitable activities, as described in more detail in the following pages of this report, focus on
promoting kindness and preventing or suppressing cruelty to animals and are undertaken to further
these purposes for the public benefit.
Charitable activities pursued for the public benefit
6.
We support our local Inspectors by taking in, free of charge, mistreated or abandoned animals,
including pets whose owners suffer ill health or financial difficulties or pass 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.
7.
We provide subsidised veterinary treatment for animals which are sick or injured and belong to local
people on low incomes. We do this through our Welfare 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.
8.
We provide subsidised neutering and microchipping of companion animals for those in the Branch
area on low incomes. We do this through our Welfare scheme. This work helps to control dog/cat
populations through neutering and benefits those on means tested benefits by giving them financial
help to neuter and microchip companion animals, thereby promoting responsible pet ownership.
9.
Animals in our care receive veterinary treatment, vaccination, neutering, micro-chipping and are
assessed for rehoming. This work helps to control the incidence and spread of disease and
suffering through vaccination and neutering.
10. We rehome animals in need at low cost to people willing and able to have a companion animal.
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 reduce 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 objectives, to rehome to
those who could not afford them.
11. We take in, free of charge, lost animals and take steps to reunite them with owners. This work
benefits our local community (including local authorities) by preventing animals straying and posing
a risk to themselves and to people through road traffic accidents.
12. 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.
13. We offer free animal care advice at our rehoming centre. The public benefits through the promotion
of responsible pet ownership.
14. Within the terms of our governing document, we support the National Society, other RSPCA
branches and local wildlife sanctuaries which provide local places of shelter, saving the animals from
long journeys to RSPCA wildlife sanctuaries.
15. We provide volunteering opportunities for those who wish to support our work, including trusteeship,
fostering and fundraising. This benefits local people and companies by providing the possibility of
doing work which is compassionate and rewarding.
Our Financial Reserves policy
The Branch aims to ensure that the financial reserves at any one time would cover twelve months
predicted expenditure. This is to protect the Branch from fluctuations in income in order that levels of
service provided for the welfare of local animals may be maintained in the event of a reduction in
incoming resources. Reserves, in this context, means funds that are freely available for the Branch’s
general purposes after all commitments have been met and excludes fixed assets. In addition to such
“unrestricted reserves” the Branch also holds additional “restricted reserves” which represent funds
donated for a specific purpose which cannot be used for anything other than the purpose for which they
were donated. In recent years a large part of the Branch income has been legacy related and whilst the
trustees do all they can to encourage legacies to the Branch, by its very nature legacy income cannot be
predicted. If the financial reserves substantially exceed eighteen months predicted expenditure at any
one time, the trustees will seek to increase and expand the animal welfare activity of the Branch.
OUR AIMS AND OBJECTIVES FOR 2014
Aims and Objectives:

To increase fundraising revenue and manage expenditure.

To promote and maintain our charity shops in Dorchester, Bridport and Axminster, to increase the
number of volunteers, and to increase the funds raised.

To build on the success of Taylor’s by increasing the numbers of animals re-homed.
Strategies:

To take full advantage of all fundraising and promotional opportunities.

To hold an “Open Day” at Taylor’s.

To increase fundraising efforts throughout the Branch area by holding a variety of events.

To seek to encourage legacies to the Branch.

To maximize publicity and public awareness of the work of the Branch.
RSPCA TAYLOR’S MANAGER’S REPORT
The animals at the Centre are in need of some
new toys and enrichment to keep them
entertained whilst they stay with us. We have
created a list of things on our Amazon Wish List,
so for the computer minded of you, you can log
on and search for RSPCA TAYLORS
REHOMING CENTRE. We are looking for all
manner of things, from ping pong balls to bird
aviary toys!
The animals are also in need of plants, herbs and
fruit bushes to help with enriching their
environment, and we are also going to establish a
butterfly garden, so are in need of any plants except buddleia, (as we have lots of that), which will attract
bees and butterflies. We are also hoping to establish a sensory hedge near to the cat isolation unit with
lavenders and rosemary etc. We are also looking for wicker / cane baskets, plant holders, fruit bowls,
which need to be untreated (no varnish etc.) for our rabbits to chew on and have great fun tossing about –
please check your cupboards and sheds.
I would like to make special mention of a very special lady, Colette Weston, who fearlessly jumped out of
an aeroplane to raise funds for the animals at the Centre. Colette jumped tandem from 15,000ft, which is
the highest UK jump without oxygen. She said, “ I am absolutely petrified of heights, but I am doing it for
the animals, and my love of Taylors, that is my focus. The Centre is struggling in this financial crisis, but
the animals still need to come in and be cared for.”
We have rehomed 660 animals this year, although down on last year figures, this is still a good amount,
especially in the current financial crisis which has seen rehoming figures nationally decline.
I would lastly like to thank the staff, homevisitors and volunteers at the Centre, who do literally deal with
anything, Inspectors Ken Snook and John Pollock for the help and support that they have given to the
Centre in the last year. As ever, my heartfelt thanks to the Branch Trustees, who give up so much of their
own time, to run the West Dorset and Axminster Branch’s affairs.
Lisa Samways
RSPCA Taylors Centre Manager
YOU CAN BECOME A ‘FRIEND’ OF
RSPCA TAYLOR’S REHOMING CENTRE
You can become a ‘Friend of Taylor’s’ for a minimum donation of £8 per year (£6 for under 16s / over
60s). You will receive a welcome pack, badge, membership card, newsletters and the chance to join our
Centre staff for special ‘Friends Tours’. Your donation will go exclusively towards the day to day funding
of the Centre.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------I wish to become a ‘Friend of Taylor’s Rehoming Centre’
I enclose a donation of £_______
£8 minimum, £6 if under 16  or over 60 
for one year’s membership
£100 one off payment if you wish to become a ‘Friend for Life’
£250 one off payment if you wish to become a ‘Life Patron of Taylor’s’
£500 one off payment to become a ‘Life Patron of RSPCA West Dorset Branch’
NAME
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE
DATE
Please make cheques payable to RSPCA West Dorset Branch.
PLEASE CUT OUT THIS FORM AND RETURN TO:‘FRIENDS OF TAYLOR’S REHOMING CENTRE’,
RSPCA WEST DORSET BRANCH,
PO BOX 5460, WEYMOUTH, DORSET, DT3 6WH.
If you are a UK Taxpayer we can reclaim the tax paid on your donation. Please complete the box below
and your donation will be worth 20% more at no extra cost to yourself.
GIFT AID DECLARATION
I CONFIRM THAT I PAY INCOME TAX OR CAPITAL GAINS TAX IN THE UK AT LEAST EQUAL TO
THE AMOUNT THE RSPCA WILL RECLAIM.
I WISH THE RSPCA TO RECLAIM TAX ON MY DONATION OF
£................
All future donations made by me may be treated as
Gift Aid donations until I notify you otherwise.•
DATE __________________________
SIGNED _________________________
*Please let us know if you sign the declaration and later cease to pay tax.
FUNDRAISING IN SHERBORNE
Thanks to the help of so many people here in the Sherborne group, we raised £5,742 in 2013. Pat Doyle,
family and friends held our first event of the year by holding the very popular quiz evening at the West
End Hall, raising £315.47. Thank you, Pat and Co. as we all know what a lot of work it entails for you. It
was a lovely evening. Pat also invited us to have a table at one of her friendship club sales, and we
raised £21.70.
Parsons Yard sale in April raised £197, as
always thanks go to Messrs’ Parsons. The Flag
Days raised £645. The May Fayre at the Digby
Hall raised £884, the Spring Sale at Digby
Road, £544.74, and the Summer Sale at the
West End Hall, £676. The Christmas Bazaar at
the Digby Hall was a great success as usual
and raised £1,390. At the Alweston car boot
sale on the May Bank Holiday Chris and Mick
Paling raised £82 by selling things that they no
longer required. Thank you both for doing this
on which was not a nice day to say the least.
Thank you to Stan and Yvonne Shayler who put
on a lovely cream tea at their house in
September. It was a nice warm day and they
donated the £172 raised to our branch. We decorated a Christmas tree at the Cheap Street Church Tree
Festival and raised £23 in our collection box and a sherry and mince pie evening at my house raised £58.
Thank you to everyone who has given donations throughout the year and the people and shops who hold
collection boxes for us. All of the above make up the wonderful total of £5,742.
I would like to thank everyone in our Sherborne group as without their help all through the year and in
most cases for many, many years, we would not achieved these amounts of money which are so vital in
helping animals in our area. You are very special people.
Also, a special thank you to Vanessa Wiles who held a coffee morning at her home and raised £152 for
our rehoming centre; to one of the ladies that helps us who gives us generous donations throughout the
year; to a lady who helps us and also fills her two collecting boxes to the brim and beyond every year
totalling around £500; and to the lady who pays for us to hire the hall in Digby Road every year for our
Spring Sale. They all know who I mean but they wish to stay anonymous.
Finally, thank you to all our wonderful supporters who give goods for us to sell and who come and buy at
our events, without them we would make no money at all. We always need good bric-a-brac and fancy
goods to sell. If you can donate any of these, please ring me.
Jill Kirkby
01935 813009
FUNDRAISING DATES FOR 2014
March 29th
April 12th
May 8th
May 17th
July 19th
Aug 17th
Aug 23rd
Nov 8th
Sale in Parson’s Yard, Cheap Street, Sherborne
Spring Sale, Lunch Club Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne 10am – Noon
Sherborne Flag Day
May Fayre, Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 10am - Noon
Summer Sale, West End Hall, Sherborne, 10am – 12.30pm
Taylor’s Rehoming Centre Open Day, 11am – 3.30pm
Sherborne Flag Day
Christmas Bazaar, Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 10am – Noon
FUNDRAISING IN CHARMOUTH, LYME REGIS
AND AXMINSTER
A special mention must be made of our small but
dedicated group of supporters in the Charmouth,
Lyme and Axminster auxiliary, who in 2013 raised
over £1,500. Thank you to the businesses who
kindly allow us to keep collection boxes on their
premises, the George Pub, Morgans Shop; and the
Post Office in Charmouth, along with the Antiques
and Craft Centre in Lyme Regis. We are very
grateful to Mr Pile who kindly hosted a quiz night,
and to Mrs Wiscombe who generously raised funds
for the branch on her garden open days. A
successful collection at Axminster Tesco brought
the grand total raised to £1,536.66. Our grateful
thanks to Carol, Valerie and Harry, and everyone
else who helped raise these valuable funds.
PLEASE HELP US TO RAISE FUNDS ONLINE
Our website www.westdorsetrspca.org has now been up and running for several years and has grown
steadily in popularity and exposure. We have at least 4000 ‘hits’ each month! The site is updated
regularly with all of the animals currently in residence at Taylor's Rehoming Centre who are ready to go to
new homes. It has become a 'first stop' for potential adopters when they are considering giving a home to
a new animal. As well as details of the animals still in need of homes and information regarding the
Centre and the adoption procedure, the site has a wealth of information about the work of the Branch.
Please do visit the site if you have not done so already.
The website has a variety of fundraising initiatives, many of which will help us without costing you a
single penny!
We have an eBay shop, which has raised valuable funds for us in the past. We are now looking for
someone new to take on the task of eBaying items on our behalf. Is this something you might be able to
do? If you already have eBay selling experience, and can spare a few hours to list items, deal with
buyers and pop things in the post, we’d be delighted to hear from you. We can supply new and donated
items to sell (to be collected from Taylors) and all of your costs will, of course, be reimbursed. Even if you
would only be able to sell a couple of items a month, we would be very grateful. Please email us on
mail@westdorsetrspca.org
Secondly, there's our very own "SPEND AND
RAISE" Webshop, which you can find at
www.spendandraise.com/rspcawestdorset
(there’s a handy link on the home page of our
own website). If you are used to shopping online
with retailers such as Amazon, BHS Direct,
Blackwell Books, Boots, CD Wow, Comet, Currys,
Daxon, Debenhams, Dixons, Evans, Gap, HMV,
House of Fraser, JML, John Lewis, Littlewoods,
La Redoute, Marks and Sparks, New Look, Next,
Pixmania, Play.com, Sainsburys, Simply Be, The
Hut, Toys R Us, WH Smiths, Wilkinsons, 7 Day
Shop or many others, then a part of what you
spend online with them can be donated to us.... and at absolutely no extra cost to you! For example, if
you do your shopping online with Marks and Spencers, 3% of everything you spend could be donated to
us – imagine how that would add up over the course of a year, and all for two clicks
of the mouse! All you have to do is access their website through the links on our
Webshop page and then shop online as normal! Because you have been 'referred'
to their website through ours, they will donate a percentage of what you spend to
us! Please do try and remember to check it out - there are literally hundreds of
popular retailers who are accessible through our Webshop and with just two extra
clicks, a percentage of what you would spend anyway will come to help the animals
at Taylors.
Also, why not use our “Every Click” search engine? www.everyclick.com/rspcawestdorset - again, you
can find the link on our website home page and then add it to your favourites, or even make it your home
page.) It works in just the same way as other internet search engines (the search
results are actually provided by Yahoo!) but for every search you make, “Every Click”
donate 1 pence to us, at no cost to you! So, if you have a few spare minutes, do a
dozen quick searches on our search engine, and that’s 12 pence towards our funds!
Finally, you can now follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/rspcawestdorset or become
our Friend on Facebook (RSPCA Taylors Rehoming Centre).
Susan Stow
Website Manager
YOUR LOCAL RSPCA CHARITY SHOPS
Bridport
29 West Street
Bridport
Dorset
01308 421683
Dorchester
31 Princes Street
Dorchester
Dorset
(Near Argos)
01305 265777
Axminster
1a West Street
Axminster
Devon
EX13 5NX
01297 631022
All of our shops are in need of
volunteers, if you are interested
in helping out please pop in or
give the shops a call.
We always welcome donations
of good quality clothing, books,
CDs, bric a brac and other
saleable items.
As well as donated goods, we
also sell a wide range of high
quality new items, including
ranges from Ulster Weavers
and Faith in Nature.
Our shops are our most
important fundraising resource
– please do support them and
help us to help local animals.
RSPCA INSPECTORATE GROUP SSW3
2013 ANNUAL REPORT
FOR SOMERSET, DEVON AND WEST DORSET
It is my pleasure to present my annual report of work carried out in SSW3 during 2013. A year notable for
the extremely wet weather at both the beginning and end of it, the impact of which I will come back to
later in this report.
In covering the group area in the course of their normal duties Inspectorate staff drove over 260,000 miles
responding to 3,252 collection incidents and investigating 3,334 complaints of neglect or cruelty. As you
might expect not all our incidents are dealt with in one visit and during the year a total of 10,523 visits
were necessary to complete the collections and complaint investigations. While the majority of complaints
are dealt with by way of advice on various aspects of animal husbandry, unfortunately there are always
those instances when animals are being kept in circumstances where the provisions of the Animal
Welfare Act are not being met. During the year 52 files of evidence were forwarded to the Prosecutions
Department for consideration. Subsequently 19 of the files were marked as No Proceedings, 18 were
dealt with by way of Written Cautions being administered and the remainder placed before the courts.
Please find below a selection of some of the cases placed before the courts in 2013.
12-0758
Responding to a call regarding welfare concerns for a herd of 21 horses the investigating Inspector found
a dead bay mare in an emaciated condition, a coloured mare which was alive but emaciated and a grey
mare which was reluctant to get up and when she did was severely lame on her rear left leg,
subsequently a three inch nail was found embedded in the hoof. The environment in which the herd was
kept was unsuitable with various types of hazardous rubbish lying around. Unfortunately despite being
taken into our care and the provision of appropriate veterinary treatment the coloured mare deteriorated,
collapsed and was euthanased on welfare grounds. The owner was placed before the Magistrates and
pleaded not guilty to offences under the Animal Welfare Act. The Court found the case proven and
imposed a four year ban on keeping ponies and donkeys, fines totalling £1570 and ordered payment of
£6388 towards the Society’s costs.
13-0177
Visiting a property in early January 2013 the investigating Inspector was shown a Staffordshire Bull
Terrier which by her estimation had lost 90% of its fur, the skin of the dog was inflamed and infected with
areas of crusting which led to it resembling the skin of an elephant, obviously extremely itchy as the dog
was constantly rubbing against objects, additionally the dog was also underweight. Subsequent veterinary
examination confirmed the dog was suffering from demodectic mange. As the investigation progressed it
was established that the dog had suffered from a skin condition for most of its life and that it had in fact
been diagnosed with mange in 2008 for which treatment had been given but since that time it had
received no further appropriate veterinary treatment. The owner pleaded guilty to two offences under the
Animal Welfare Act and was given an 18 month Conditional Discharge, banned from keeping dogs for a
period of three years and ordered to pay a contribution of £300 towards the Society’s costs.
13-1074
The level of neglect to which animals are subjected can at times surprise even experienced Inspectors
and this was certainly the case when an Inspector was shown an overweight Staffordshire Bull Terrier
lying on a settee, reluctant to get down the Inspector then saw that the dog had grossly overgrown nails,
many of which resembled corkscrews, however on the left front and rear left paws its nails were
embedded into the pads and had grown until they resurfaced, the pads being inflamed, sensitive to touch
and smelling of infection. When placed before the Magistrates the owner pleaded guilty to causing the
dog unnecessary suffering and failing to meet its needs under the Animal Welfare Act. The Court
imprisoned him for 4 weeks and imposed a ban on keeping dogs for five years. They further deprived him
of ownership of the dog which had made a full recovery and was subsequently rehomed.
12-1414
When visiting a Devon cottage after a report of a cat with an injured eye the investigating Inspector was
shocked when she saw a cat approach her as she knocked on the front door. Where the left eye should
be the cat had a bloody ulcerated mass which smelt even in the open air. Initially the owners claimed it
had seen a vet some two months earlier in respect of a lesion around the eye, however it was established
it had in fact not seen a vet for 12 months. When taken by the Inspector to a vet it was established that
the eye was intact and the ulcerated mass was emanating from the eyelids, given the nature and stage of
the growth no reasonable surgical treatment was possible and therefore the cat was euthansed on
welfare grounds. The examining vet commented that the cat’s suffering would have been avoided if
treatment had been sought earlier. When placed before the Magistrates the married couple who owned
the cat pleaded guilty to offences under the Animal Welfare Act of causing unnecessary suffering and
failing to meet the cat’s needs. They were each fined £375 and ordered to make a contribution towards
the Society’s costs of £640.
As stated at the beginning of the report the year started and ended with extremely wet weather and
therefore our work pattern was much the same
with calls to animals in flooded fields and
concern for livestock being kept in muddy
conditions. Equines in particular forming a large
part of our work both locally and nationally.
There is no doubt that caring adequately for any
type of equine can be challenging at the best of
times, when finances, time, facilities and
resources are scarce it becomes difficult in the
extreme.
As ever I am grateful to the local Branches,
Agencies, Emergency Services and all
individuals who have assisted the Inspectorate in
any way throughout the year. In particular I
would like to thank those in both Regional,
Branch and private establishments who have
taken in the many case animals from the
Inspectors and through hard work and prolonged
care returned them to health.
Chief Inspector David Steele SSW3
RSPCA WEST DORSET BRANCH
MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON
TUESDAY 5 JUNE 2013
AT TAYLORS REHOMING CENTRE
PRESENT
Mrs K Bluett
Mr A Evans
Ms K Harley
Mrs F Renouf
Insp K Snook
Ms A Taylor
Christopher the Cat
Mr D Bluett
Mrs E Evans
Mr G Kirkby
Mrs L Samways
Mrs S Stow
Colette Weston
Mrs J Burgess
Mrs T Every
Mrs J Kirkby
Mrs S Simmonds
Mr C Strong
Paul Weston
Mrs V Cronin
Chief Insp D Steele
Mr G Matthews
APOLOGIES
Mrs J Baker
Insp J Pollock
CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME AND REPORT
The Chairman, Allan Evans, welcomed those present and thanked everyone for coming to the AGM. He
introduced himself as Chairman, Sue Simmonds (Treasurer) and Fiona Renouf (Secretary). He noted
that again last year had been quite a year for the Branch and that, like other charities, there had been
much to contend with but that everyone was doing their best. Allan welcomed Kay and Don Bluett: Kay
has been the Regional Council Representative for a number of years and is now planning to retire from
the role. Allan thanked her for all she has done throughout the region and for the Branch. Allan
welcomed Karen Harley, from South East Somerset Branch, who has been visiting AGMs in the Region
with a view to taking over from Kay Bluett as the Regional Representative.
APOLOGIES
Apologies were as noted above.
MINUTES OF THE 2012 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The minutes were available as part of the 2012 Annual Report. Julie Burgess proposed that they be
accepted as a true record of the meeting, this was seconded by Colette Weston and all those present and
entitled to vote were in favour.
MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Treasurer Sue Simmonds reported that 2012 had been an interesting year and that although the
economic downturn had caused some problems for the shops, they had actually done quite well.
The 2012 accounts have now been audited and, following adjustment by Edwards and Keeping to allow
for deposits, investments and stock, the initial deficit of £19,000 has been reduced to a deficit of £16,499.
The Bridport shop has had a total refit with many hours put in, particularly by Allan and Eleanor. The refit
has made a huge difference to the look and layout of the shop and this is expected to be reflected in
increased turnover. Photographs of the refit were available to view at the AGM.
Sue noted that it is becoming increasingly difficult to raise funds through more traditional routes of shop
sales and legacies and that, looking to the future, the Branch will need to undertake more fundraising and
new ventures to make money.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE BRANCH ACCOUNTS
It was proposed by Eleanor Evans that the Branch Accounts be accepted. This was seconded by Susan
Stow and all those present and entitled to vote were in favour.
APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR FOR 2013
Sue Simmonds proposed that Edwards and Keeping be retained as auditors: this was seconded by Paul
Weston and all those present and entitled to vote were in favour.
ELECTION OF BRANCH COMMITTEE
Colin Strong took over the meeting to preside over election of the Committee and the following
candidates were duly re-elected:
Julie Burgess
Eleanor Evans
Jill Kirkby
Fiona Renouf
Allan Evans
George Kirkby
Sue Simmonds
Susan Stow
Colette Weston and Paul Weston were elected to the Committee
Colin thanked Kay Bluett for scrutinising election of the Committee.
Colin addressed the meeting and noted the need to remind ourselves of the effort that had gone into
arranging the evening. The Annual Report has to be prepared and distributed, invitations to the meeting
are sent to all Branch members, the room is prepared and refreshments provided. He felt that, given all
the preparations, it was therefore unfortunate that the Branch was unable to share its work with more
members of the public and explain what the Branch does. However, the low attendance was also an
indication that nobody is unhappy with the work of the Branch! Karen and Colin had now been to 8 AGMs
so far, and agreed that it was very interesting to see how all the Branches work.
Colin then noted his pleasure at making some awards for special people. A Silver Badge was presented
to Barbara Foggon in her absence for the years of hard work she has undertaken for the Branch. Kay
and Colin then presented the following people with Silver Badges for 15 years’ support: Susan Stow;
Eleanor Evans; Allan Evans; Jill Kirby and finally George Kirby
Allan thanked Colin and Kay for making the presentations and for the work they do in support of the
Branch.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Allan gave special thanks to Lisa Samways and Tess Every for all their dedicated work and the efforts
they continually put in, often out of hours, to ensure the continued success of Taylor’s. He noted that this
was clearly more than just a job for both of them and that the Branch could not do such excellent work
without them.
He also offered thanks to Susan Stow, Sue Simmonds, Fiona Renouf and the Committee as a whole for
their efforts in helping the Branch in all their various capacities.
Sue Simmonds then invited Eleanor and Allan to receive a small gift as a token of the Trustees’ gratitude
for all the hard work they personally had put into the Bridport shop refit and in working hard to maintain
the high standard in the shops in general, often in trying circumstances.
Allan brought the AGM to an end by thanking everyone for attending and the meeting was declared
closed at 8.20pm.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SPONSOR A CAT PEN?
You can ‘Sponsor’ a cat pen, cage or hutch at “Taylor’s” by way of a ‘one-off’ donation or a yearly
payment, from as little as £25. All Sponsors are recognised by way of a personalised plaque displayed
on the pen or hutch. For companies, this represents a valuable advertising opportunity. We also offer
further free advertising on our website www.westdorsetrspca.org which currently has over 4000 ‘hits’ a
month, and in our regular newsletters which are distributed to supporters in the area. When you sign up
for Sponsorship we will contact you in this regard, but if you would like to discuss the matter before hand,
please do not hesitate to contact us. For individuals, this is a wonderful way of showing your support for
the Centre, and you and your friends will of course be able to visit Taylor’s to see ‘your plaque’ on the
pen, cage or hutch!
I WISH TO SPONSOR A PEN AT TAYLOR’S
NAME
ADDRESS
EMAIL
TELEPHONE
DATE
Please make cheques payable to RSPCA West Dorset Branch.
I enclose a donation of £_______ for the following Sponsorship category (PLEASE TICK BOX)
□Sponsor a Hutch - £50
□Sponsor a Cage - £25
Sponsor a Cat Pen:- □1 year - £70 □2 years - £100
□3 years - £150
□5 years - £250 □10 years - £450
□15 years - £650
□20 years - £800 □25 years - £1000
If you would rather make an Annual Sponsorship payment please tick here □
Annual donation of £
(minimum £25)
Please contact us for details if you would like to pay by standing order.
PLEASE FILL IN BELOW HOW YOU WOULD LIKE THE REST OF THE INSCRIPTION TO APPEAR ON
YOUR PLAQUE. PLEASE USE BLOCK CAPITALS.
S P O N S O R E D
B Y
If you are a UK Taxpayer we can reclaim the tax paid on your donation. Please complete the box below
and your donation will be worth 25% more at no extra cost to yourself.
GIFT AID DECLARATION
I CONFIRM THAT I PAY INCOME TAX OR CAPITAL GAINS TAX IN THE UK AT LEAST EQUAL TO
THE AMOUNT THE RSPCA WILL RECLAIM.
I WISH THE RSPCA TO RECLAIM TAX ON MY DONATION OF
£................
All future donations made by me may be treated as
Gift Aid donations until I notify you otherwise.•
DATE __________________________
SIGNED _________________________
*Please let us know if you sign the declaration and later cease to pay tax.
SPONSOR A PEN
RSPCA WEST DORSET BRANCH, PO BOX 5460, WEYMOUTH, DT3 6WH