Hi all,
I did ponder on doing a reply to Honeybunny's post, but this is not totally related. http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/tam/viewtopic.php?t=14266
I am unsure as to the logistics of this, and I have suggested similar large projects before these could be brought into this once set up.
The concept is simple, the RSPCA (me spits) has 177 branches nationally, but they do not all have the same rules and regs, and all are run as individual businesses.
Much like we have a network of Rabbit/rodent rescues that use this forum as a central communication but all have our own ideals and set-ups.
The RSPCA is a charity, and being a charity allows all of these centers a number of benefits such as being able to claim VAT back, having TAX benefits for both donations and running costs and so on and some hefty gouvernment cash injections.
But if like us you have investigated the in's and outs of becoming a charity you start to notice the massive undertaking for such a small business to acquire this status, and then you give up....
As a group however becoming a registered charity would be much easier, with registration and minimum requirements we can create our own national charity covering those of us who wish to be involved.
We all would have to make some changes such as keeping accurate accounts, and having committee meetings which we would have to attend.
But still able to manage our own little bit.
I have no idea at this point on how to start the ball rolling, but if we have around 5 - 10 rescue centers who would like to become part of a registered charity then may be we should arrange a meeting, talk about what we want to achieve, and then start moving it forward.
Initial cost = time... Not money
If we can generate a charity status for us, then we can move forward and start pushing hard for donations and alike.
The end result is we would have accurate records of the problems caused by the sales of bunnies from pet shops, we would have a very strong arm to lean on the government we can have others join and manage some of the poorer centers and bring them into line with our minimum standards and once done we can start to improve on the minimum.
We would have a fincial backing from a central point so in quiet times we can sleep easy and in flush times give back to the pot.
Ideally we could end up as big as or bigger than the RSPCA.
Much to discuss
Many possible positive improvements could be made by those who join arms and push in the right direction.
For those who run rescues and are not aware, your rescue is essentially a business, as it is a business that you own, you are 100% responsible for it.
That is for any debts, costs or issues that may cross you, this includes third party injuries while on your premises or if you’re at a show/fund raiser. So please make sure you have insurance to cover your self for this as you could loose all you have.
As a charity under one umbrella, I think this could be covered on one policy, just another possible benefit.
I am sure we will need some one to check out the logistics and legalities of all this.
I had wondered about how the RSPCA was formed and how it is run as we are looking at a similar solution.
"Since its humble beginning in 1824 - as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - the RSPCA has worked tirelessly to promote kindness and prevent cruelty to animals.
Preparing the way
In 1822, Richard Martin MP piloted the first anti-cruelty bill giving cattle, horses and sheep a degree of protection through parliament.
World first
'Humanity ****' as he was known, was one of the 22 founders of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals which was launched in London in 1824. The SPCA became the first national animal protection society in the world.
No compassion
At that time, compassion for animals was regarded as bizarre. Animals were regarded as little more than commodities supplying food, transport or sport.
Changing attitudes
In its early years the Society's major campaign was to win over the hearts and minds of the general public, and to change people's indifference to animal cruelty.
Cruelty exposed
The 181 convictions for cruelty that the Society achieved during 1832 - the first year such figures were recorded in its annual report - made a telling impact on public opinion about the treatment of animals.
Royal approval
By 1840 the Society's work was held in such high regard that Queen Victoria gave her permission for the SPCA to be called the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Law enforcement
Its practical welfare work developed quickly. The single inspector appointed in London to check on markets and slaughterhouses, was joined by others. Together they formed a law enforcement body that pre-dated the police force.
National network
News of the work of the Society spread outside London. By 1842, campaigners in Bath, Brighton, Bristol, Coventry and Scarborough had all requested the appointment of an inspector of their own.
Sufficient funds
With the increasing number of donations and bequests the Society was attracting, there were funds to expand beyond the capital.
Branches established
Regional inspectors were appointed, with local campaigners promising to raise £20 a year towards 'their' inspector's wages. This development created the nucleus of a national network of 177 branches in England and Wales that exists today."
So who is interested, and who would like to meet to discuss?
I am happy to chair the 1st meeting, and there after we can arrange and manage how we move forward, I am not by any means asking or pushing to be chairman/person, this will be something we can discuss at the 1st meeting, or when ever it is deemed necessary.
Ideas concerns ect, all welcome as always.
I did ponder on doing a reply to Honeybunny's post, but this is not totally related. http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/tam/viewtopic.php?t=14266
I am unsure as to the logistics of this, and I have suggested similar large projects before these could be brought into this once set up.
The concept is simple, the RSPCA (me spits) has 177 branches nationally, but they do not all have the same rules and regs, and all are run as individual businesses.
Much like we have a network of Rabbit/rodent rescues that use this forum as a central communication but all have our own ideals and set-ups.
The RSPCA is a charity, and being a charity allows all of these centers a number of benefits such as being able to claim VAT back, having TAX benefits for both donations and running costs and so on and some hefty gouvernment cash injections.
But if like us you have investigated the in's and outs of becoming a charity you start to notice the massive undertaking for such a small business to acquire this status, and then you give up....
As a group however becoming a registered charity would be much easier, with registration and minimum requirements we can create our own national charity covering those of us who wish to be involved.
We all would have to make some changes such as keeping accurate accounts, and having committee meetings which we would have to attend.
But still able to manage our own little bit.
I have no idea at this point on how to start the ball rolling, but if we have around 5 - 10 rescue centers who would like to become part of a registered charity then may be we should arrange a meeting, talk about what we want to achieve, and then start moving it forward.
Initial cost = time... Not money
If we can generate a charity status for us, then we can move forward and start pushing hard for donations and alike.
The end result is we would have accurate records of the problems caused by the sales of bunnies from pet shops, we would have a very strong arm to lean on the government we can have others join and manage some of the poorer centers and bring them into line with our minimum standards and once done we can start to improve on the minimum.
We would have a fincial backing from a central point so in quiet times we can sleep easy and in flush times give back to the pot.
Ideally we could end up as big as or bigger than the RSPCA.
Much to discuss
Many possible positive improvements could be made by those who join arms and push in the right direction.
For those who run rescues and are not aware, your rescue is essentially a business, as it is a business that you own, you are 100% responsible for it.
That is for any debts, costs or issues that may cross you, this includes third party injuries while on your premises or if you’re at a show/fund raiser. So please make sure you have insurance to cover your self for this as you could loose all you have.
As a charity under one umbrella, I think this could be covered on one policy, just another possible benefit.
I am sure we will need some one to check out the logistics and legalities of all this.
I had wondered about how the RSPCA was formed and how it is run as we are looking at a similar solution.
"Since its humble beginning in 1824 - as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - the RSPCA has worked tirelessly to promote kindness and prevent cruelty to animals.
Preparing the way
In 1822, Richard Martin MP piloted the first anti-cruelty bill giving cattle, horses and sheep a degree of protection through parliament.
World first
'Humanity ****' as he was known, was one of the 22 founders of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals which was launched in London in 1824. The SPCA became the first national animal protection society in the world.
No compassion
At that time, compassion for animals was regarded as bizarre. Animals were regarded as little more than commodities supplying food, transport or sport.
Changing attitudes
In its early years the Society's major campaign was to win over the hearts and minds of the general public, and to change people's indifference to animal cruelty.
Cruelty exposed
The 181 convictions for cruelty that the Society achieved during 1832 - the first year such figures were recorded in its annual report - made a telling impact on public opinion about the treatment of animals.
Royal approval
By 1840 the Society's work was held in such high regard that Queen Victoria gave her permission for the SPCA to be called the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Law enforcement
Its practical welfare work developed quickly. The single inspector appointed in London to check on markets and slaughterhouses, was joined by others. Together they formed a law enforcement body that pre-dated the police force.
National network
News of the work of the Society spread outside London. By 1842, campaigners in Bath, Brighton, Bristol, Coventry and Scarborough had all requested the appointment of an inspector of their own.
Sufficient funds
With the increasing number of donations and bequests the Society was attracting, there were funds to expand beyond the capital.
Branches established
Regional inspectors were appointed, with local campaigners promising to raise £20 a year towards 'their' inspector's wages. This development created the nucleus of a national network of 177 branches in England and Wales that exists today."
So who is interested, and who would like to meet to discuss?
I am happy to chair the 1st meeting, and there after we can arrange and manage how we move forward, I am not by any means asking or pushing to be chairman/person, this will be something we can discuss at the 1st meeting, or when ever it is deemed necessary.
Ideas concerns ect, all welcome as always.
I'm quite new to this and at present a small concern but would like to be included.
