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About Us |
 Welcome
Happy Staffie Rescue is a Registered Charity (England and Wales) no. 1132578, and a Company Limited by Guarantee (England and Wales) no.06941029 that was launched in June 2009. We have six unpaid directors, three volunteer managers and a team of volunteers who are helping us raise funds, all who share a genuine interest in helping ease the suffering of stray and unwanted dogs. Why? Unfortunately in recent years this breed has become one of the most unwanted types of dog due in some part to a minority of owners who have tried to use the breed not as a loving family member but as a status symbol. This in turn has hindered the image of the dog from a playful, happy breed to some kind of fighting dog – something that could not be further from the truth. Many people confuse the Staffie with the American Pit Bull Terrier and this again damages the Staffie reputation. It is worth remembering that in most cases the Staffie makes a wonderful family addition, good with children, often quiet and easy to train, with a distinct personality, a love of play and not too excessive to exercise. Staffordshire Bull Terriers will end up in rescue for many different reasons. These can include abuse and neglect, abandonment, financial or circumstantial change or simply just not being wanted anymore. So many Staffies that enter rescue are still very young and have simply gone past that cute puppy stage. Many will also fall into the other unwanted dog group, the older dog, often supplanted by a new puppy in the family home. Did you know? Staffies are known for their loyalty and gentle nature within a secure family unit. They are also known as the “Nanny Dog” because of the protection shown for younger members of their family. Your Community On average over 200 dogs will pass through the doors of welfare organisations each year in the Wyre Forest (North Worcestershire) area alone and out of these the Staffie breed makes the highest percentage. There are many reasons why these dogs end up as stray or unwanted and the majority need help through no fault of their own. The dedicated team of unpaid volunteers that created Happy Staffie Rescue believe that every dog deserves help and a second chance of a happy and secure life. This is why we believe a Staffie breed specific rescue that offers secure shelter, health/temperament assessment, veterinary treatment, a non destruction policy, active rehoming program and public education will provide a public benefit. Governance The charity is regulated by the Charity Commission and subject to charity law and company law.Our accounts have to adhere to the Standards of Recommended Practice (SORP), meaning that we have to show how we spend our money in several key areas: cost of generating voluntary income, cost of fundraising trading, charitable activities, governance and other resource expenditure. We also have to classify our income into similar categories. We have to provide accounts and annual reports to the Charity Commission, HM Revenue & Customs and Companies House. In addition our accounts have to be subject to an Independent Examination to verify their authenticity. Despite what some people say, a charity that is registered is a company is no different in its charitable status or activities to one that is not. A charitable company cannot pay dividends because there are no shareholders. The money the charity makes is for the charity and its objects. The registration of a company is one of the three frameworks a charity can adopt. Examples of other charities that are registered as a company include: Scope, Diabetes UK, Save the Children Fund, Oxfam, Support Dogs, St Basils, and the ME Association. We have chosen the company framework because it allows us to enter into contracts – for example the lease of a charity shop, or the purchase of property – for example our own kennels. Finally our directors adhere to the Nolan Standards and the ICSA codes of practice. None of our directors receives any payment for the work they undertake for the Charity. |