REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: |
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND |
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024 |
FOR |
ANIMAL PROTECTION AGENCY FOUNDATION |
REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: |
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND |
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024 |
FOR |
ANIMAL PROTECTION AGENCY FOUNDATION |
ANIMAL PROTECTION AGENCY FOUNDATION |
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024 |
Page |
Report of the Trustees | 1 | to | 4 |
Statement of Financial Activities | 5 |
Balance Sheet | 6 | to | 7 |
Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 | to | 11 |
ANIMAL PROTECTION AGENCY FOUNDATION (REGISTERED NUMBER: 06371987) |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024 |
The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). |
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES |
Objectives and aims |
The objectives of the charity are the advancement of animal welfare and environmental protection, the advancement of education via awareness-raising programmes and the protection of public health. |
The Animal Protection Agency Foundation works with specialised consultants and other organisations to conduct awareness raising programmes on all issues concerning the trade in wild animals as pets. The Animal Protection Agency Foundation coordinates research into the impacts of the wildlife trade on individual animals and the natural environment, as well as the risks of disease transmission between wildlife and people. |
Social investments |
In consideration of the Charities Act 2006 definition of charitable purpose; the trustees of the Animal Protection Agency Foundation consider that the objectives and activities of the Charity are for the public benefit by supporting the advancement of animal welfare, environmental protection and public health promotion. In setting the programme each year, the trustees have regard to both the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit in terms of advancement of animal welfare, environmental protection and public health promotion for the public benefit. The trustees always ensure that the programmes undertaken are in line with the charitable objectives and aims. The activities, which are described in a separate section below, cover the following charitable purposes for public benefit. |
· Promoting kindness to animals and working towards an end to the suffering of animals in the exotic pet trade. |
· Raising awareness of the human health risks associated with exotic pet keeping. |
· Carrying out research and conducting education initiatives on the species conservation and environmental |
protection issues associated with the exotic pet trade. |
ANIMAL PROTECTION AGENCY FOUNDATION (REGISTERED NUMBER: 06371987) |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024 |
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE |
Charitable activities |
This was another successful year for our reptile market campaign. We were effective in frustrating numerous attempts by reptile dealers to trade animals illegally at various events. We continued to lobby and meet with Defra to discuss the issue, and also commissioned a scientific paper on reptile markets. |
Evidence that we compiled from the I.H.S. reptile market that took place at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes on 18 June 2023 showed large-scale commercial selling of animals. We identified and profiled around 40 commercial animal sellers according to the criteria set out in HMRC's Nine Badges of Trade. So, based on a count of 127 animal sellers at the event, over 30% of those were determined as commercial, which of course is not to say that the remaining unidentified sellers were non-commercial. |
We wrote to venue trustees, officers and elected members of Rotherham MBC, as well as the local MP, Sarah Champion, regarding I.H.S. events at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham on 17 September 2023 and 16 June 2024. We coordinated an investigation of the events, and compiled evidence for the Council which showed large-scale unlawful trading. In response to the lack of action taken by Rotherham Council to these events, we authored an article in Yorkshire Bylines to raise local awareness of the issue. |
We learned that an established commercial reptile dealer had been issued with a formal caution by Doncaster City Council for illegally trading animals at a reptile market held at Doncaster Racecourse on 19 September 2021. The trader was one of several reptile sellers that we identified for a coordinated investigation and had boasted on his YouTube channel of a £100,000 target for his snake breeding business. He was a regular stallholder at the Doncaster reptile market and one of many who claim they are private individuals operating non-commercially. Our media release was picked up by the local press in Doncaster. |
We engaged the USPCA, Antrim and Newtownabbey Council, and Daera regarding a planned reptile market in Ulster on 20 April 2024 and briefed USPCA investigators on the evidence they needed to gather. Along with other organisations, we jointly lobbied Daera to ensure they took appropriate action to ensure the law was upheld and animals were protected. |
After learning of an I.H.S. plan to stage a large reptile market at an Equestrian Centre in Leighton Buzzard on 28 April 2024, we wrote to officers and members of Buckinghamshire Council. The Council ensured that the venue was in full possession of the facts about the planned event, and the Equestrian Centre subsequently cancelled it. |
We managed to get two smaller reptile markets dislodged from their original venues. The first event was due to take place at a school in Gillingham but the school lettings provider, Vivify Venues, withdrew permission for the use of the school on receipt of evidence we provided that criminal activity was likely to take place at the planned market. The story of the cancellation was picked up by local radio and press. The event then re-surfaced at the Ashford International Hotel, where our investigators captured illegal animal selling taking place. The Hotel subsequently confirmed in writing that they would not host similar events in future. |
The second event was cancelled by a Community Centre in Gloucester after Tewkesbury BC examined our evidence and forewarned the venue of the likelihood of illegal animal trading. Following the organiser's announcement that the event would take place at another venue, we issued a public appeal for information, which was covered by Gloucestershire Live. We received a tip-off that the event would take place at a Sports & Social Club in Gloucester. However, on further investigation it was established that no animals would be allowed on the premises and so the event was effectively cancelled. |
We jointly commissioned a scientific paper on reptile markets in Europe and North America, which was published in 'Frontiers in Animal Science'. The paper highlighted the serious animal welfare problems and pandemic potential of reptile markets, which led the study authors to recommend that existing bans on these events be robustly enforced. |
ANIMAL PROTECTION AGENCY FOUNDATION (REGISTERED NUMBER: 06371987) |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024 |
As part of our campaign for larger enclosure sizes for snakes, we obtained a barrister's opinion on the potential grounds for Judicial Review, should Defra fail to take account of its own commissioned scientific review of the spatial needs of captive snakes. The Post Implementation Review of pet selling regulations was due to be published in October 2023 but as of July 2024 it was still outstanding. We await to see what amendments Defra will make to the regulations regarding snake enclosure sizes and commercial sales of pets at markets. |
FINANCIAL REVIEW |
Reserves policy |
The Foundation has not adopted a policy on reserve funds as we have a committed team of volunteers who act as an excellent safeguard should financial resources fall below expectation. |
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT |
Governing document |
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. |
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees |
In accordance with the Articles of Association, the number of trustees shall be no less than three but are not subject to any maximum. |
New trustees may be appointed by ordinary resolution. Every new trustee shall sign in the minute book a declaration of acceptance and of willingness to act as a trustee of the charity. |
Trustees are recruited as required or when a particular skill gap is identified. Trustees are selected based on what they can contribute to the charity. Trustees need to be prepared to take an active part in the running of the charity and therefore need to be able - and willing - to give time to the efficient administration of the charity and the fulfilment of its objectives. |
Prospective trustees are required to consider whether there would be any possible conflicts of interest if they were to be appointed as a trustee. It is particularly important that the individual is free to make a full contribution to the trustees' discussions and decisions. |
When recruiting new charity trustees, the existing trustees ensure they understand the purposes and aims of the charity, as well as their broader duties and responsibilities as trustees so that they are able to explain to prospective trustees what is required of them. |
Organisational structure |
In terms of organisational structure, the trustees are responsible for the strategic direction of the charity, governance and charting performance against budgetary expenditure. |
The Director of Operations is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the charity, reporting on progress to the trustees at trustee meetings. If there are extraordinary issues that need to be brought to the attention of the trustees, extra meetings are scheduled as required. The Director of Operations is responsible for recommending projects to the trustees, project management and annual financial performance. |
The Director of Operations is supported by a team of paid and voluntary staff and consultants. |
Partners |
The Animal Protection Agency Foundation works closely with International Animal Rescue (IAR) on various projects and is part of Eurogroup for Animals, a European coalition of animal protection groups. |
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS |
Registered Company number |
ANIMAL PROTECTION AGENCY FOUNDATION (REGISTERED NUMBER: 06371987) |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024 |
Registered Charity number |
Registered office |
Trustees |
Company Secretary |
Approved by order of the board of trustees on |
ANIMAL PROTECTION AGENCY FOUNDATION |
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES |
(INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024 |
2024 | 2023 |
Unrestricted | Total |
fund | funds |
Notes | £ | £ |
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM |
Donations and legacies |
Charitable activities |
Animal Welfare |
Total |
EXPENDITURE ON |
Charitable activities |
Animal Welfare |
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) | ( |
) |
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS |
Total funds brought forward |
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 46 |
ANIMAL PROTECTION AGENCY FOUNDATION (REGISTERED NUMBER: 06371987) |
BALANCE SHEET |
31 JULY 2024 |
2024 | 2023 |
Unrestricted | Total |
fund | funds |
Notes | £ | £ |
CURRENT ASSETS |
Cash at bank |
CREDITORS |
Amounts falling due within one year | 4 | ( |
) | ( |
) |
NET CURRENT ASSETS |
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES |
NET ASSETS |
FUNDS | 5 |
Unrestricted funds | 46 |
TOTAL FUNDS | 46 |
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 July 2024. |
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. |
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for |
(a) | ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and |
(b) | preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company. |
ANIMAL PROTECTION AGENCY FOUNDATION (REGISTERED NUMBER: 06371987) |
BALANCE SHEET - continued |
31 JULY 2024 |
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime. |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on |
ANIMAL PROTECTION AGENCY FOUNDATION |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024 |
1. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
Basis of preparing the financial statements |
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. |
Income |
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. |
Expenditure |
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. |
Taxation |
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. |
Fund accounting |
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. |
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. |
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. |
2. | TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS |
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 July 2024 nor for the year ended 31 July 2023. |
Trustees' expenses |
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 July 2024 nor for the year ended 31 July 2023. |
ANIMAL PROTECTION AGENCY FOUNDATION |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024 |
3. | COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES |
Unrestricted |
fund |
£ |
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM |
Donations and legacies |
Charitable activities |
Animal Welfare |
Total |
EXPENDITURE ON |
Charitable activities |
Animal Welfare |
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) | ( |
) |
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS |
Total funds brought forward |
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 46 |
4. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Trade creditors |
5. | MOVEMENT IN FUNDS |
Net |
movement | At |
At 1.8.23 | in funds | 31.7.24 |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General fund | 46 | 10,771 | 10,817 |
TOTAL FUNDS | 10,771 | 10,817 |
ANIMAL PROTECTION AGENCY FOUNDATION |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024 |
5. | MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued |
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |
Incoming | Resources | Movement |
resources | expended | in funds |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General fund | 12,402 | (1,631 | ) | 10,771 |
TOTAL FUNDS | ( |
) | 10,771 |
Comparatives for movement in funds |
Net |
movement | At |
At 1.8.22 | in funds | 31.7.23 |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General fund | 3,584 | (3,538 | ) | 46 |
TOTAL FUNDS | 3,584 | (3,538 | ) | 46 |
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |
Incoming | Resources | Movement |
resources | expended | in funds |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General fund | 8,293 | (11,831 | ) | (3,538 | ) |
TOTAL FUNDS | 8,293 | (11,831 | ) | (3,538 | ) |
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows: |
Net |
movement | At |
At 1.8.22 | in funds | 31.7.24 |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General fund | 3,584 | 7,233 | 10,817 |
TOTAL FUNDS | 3,584 | 7,233 | 10,817 |
ANIMAL PROTECTION AGENCY FOUNDATION |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024 |
5. | MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued |
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |
Incoming | Resources | Movement |
resources | expended | in funds |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General fund | 20,695 | (13,462 | ) | 7,233 |
TOTAL FUNDS | 20,695 | (13,462 | ) | 7,233 |
6. | RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES |