Policy Statement

Canine Welfare Fund is a charitable organisation seeking registration with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. We are committed to promoting and safe guarding the highest standards of animal welfare in all aspects of our work.

Canine Welfare Fund operates within the United Kingdom, primarily within England and Wales, and complies with all applicable UK animal welfare legislation and regulatory requirements.

We adopt and adhere to the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and associated statutory guidance, together with recommended standards published by the RSPCA.

Canine Welfare Fund is a socialised, home based rescue organisation specialising in the rehabilitation and rehoming of:

● Disabled dogs

● Dogs that have suffered abuse or neglect

● Dogs requiring behavioural modification and structured rehabilitation

We support animals that are at risk, have been abused, neglected or maltreated, and those with additional physical or behavioural needs. We do not ordinarily take in fit and healthy animals unless there is a demonstrable welfare risk.

Legal Framework and Duty of Care

Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 places a duty of care on those responsible for animals to take reasonable steps to ensure their welfare needs are met in accordance with good practice.

These welfare needs include:

● The need for a suitable environment

● The need for a suitable diet

● The need to exhibit normal behaviour patterns

● The need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals as appropriate

● The need to be protected from pain, suffering, in jury and disease

Canine Welfare Fund will ensure compliance with these statutory welfare requirements in all operational activities.

Scope of Work

Canine Welfare Fund specialises in:

● Rehabilitation of abused and neglected dogs

● Care and adaptive support for disabled dogs, including mobility impaired and complex medical cases

● Behavioural assessment and structured behavioural rehabilitation

● Socialisation programmes to support successful and sustainable rehoming

Each dog will receive an individual welfare and rehabilitation plan tailored to its physical, emotional and behavioural needs.

Operational Model (Foster Based Rescue)

Canine Welfare Fund operates as a home based rescue. Dogs are cared for within a domestic environment, either within a Trustee’s residence or through approved foster homes.

To ensure high welfare standards within a domestic setting:

● A controlled and manageable number of dogs will be maintained at any one time to ensure appropriate supervision, care and rehabilitation.

● Risk assessments will be conducted to ensure safe integration with existing household animals where applicable.

● Clear boundaries will be maintained between private and charitable responsibilities.

● Appropriate insurance cover will be maintained.

● Foster carers will be assessed prior to placement and provided with guidance on welfare standards, behavioural management and health and safety.

● Veterinary oversight, welfare planning and recordkeeping standards will remain consistent regardless of the domestic setting.

All dogs will be provided with a safe, clean, enriched and structured home environment suited to their individual needs.

Welfare Standards and Operational Procedures

Canine Welfare Fund and any partner organisations will maintain procedures to:

● Identify animals in need and assess suitability for rehabilitation and rehoming

● Make informed decisions regarding rehoming or alternative welfare outcomes

● Ensure sufficient suitably trained individuals are available to provide care

● Maintain environments that meet acceptable standards of comfort, hygiene and safety

● Ensure animals are managed in a way that prevents harm to themselves, other animals, carers or members of the public

● Conduct appropriate risk assessments, particularly for dogs with behavioural or medical complexities

Where work involves external partners, appropriate due diligence will be undertaken to ensure welfare standards are maintained.

Vet Care Oversight

● A qualified veterinary surgeon will be formally engaged to provide clinical oversight.

● The appointed veterinary professional will provide guidance on treatment, pain management, rehabilitation and ongoing care.

● All medical treatment and prescription medication will be authorised by a veterinary professional.

● Medicines will be handled only by suitably qualified or experienced individuals under appropriate supervision.

● Accurate medical and welfare records will be maintained for each animal.

Behavioural Rehabilitation

Given our speciality in behavioural and abuse cases:

● Each dog will undergo an appropriate behavioural assessment.

● Training and behavioural rehabilitation will be tailored to suit the individual needs of the dog in front of us, taking into account their history, temperament, medical condition and welfare requirements.

● Structured rehabilitation plans will be developed where necessary to support long term stability and successful rehoming.

● Post adoption guidance and support may be provided where appropriate.

Transportation and Importation

Where transportation is required:

● Only appropriately licensed and authorised transport providers will be used.

● Transporters must comply with Defra requirements and relevant regulatory standards.

● Transport must meet recognised animal welfare standards during transit. Appropriate due diligence checks will be conducted to ensure transport providers meet regulatory and welfare standards.

Skills, Training And Supervision

● All individuals caring for animals must have appropriate experience or qualifications.

● Those involved in behavioural rehabilitation will have appropriate knowledge or work under qualified supervision.

● Health & Safety procedures will be implemented to protect animals, carers and members of the public.

Rehoming Policy

All prospective adopters will be assessed to ensure suitability. Requirements include:

● Meeting the dog in person prior to adoption. We do not rehome solely on the basis of online or postal applications.

● Demonstrating commitment

Rehoming Policy

All prospective adopters will be assessed to ensure suitability. Requirements include:

● Meeting the dog in person prior to adoption. We do not rehome solely on the basis of online or postal applications.

● Demonstrating commitment to caring for the animal as a companion pet. Dogs will not be rehomed for hunting, guarding, breeding or commercial purposes.

● Understanding the financial, medical, dietary and behavioural responsibilities involved.

● Providing landlord permission if living in rented accommodation where applicable.

● Demonstrating that the home environment is suitable, including adequate space, exercise and stimulation.

● Providing proof of identity and confirming they are at least 18 years of age.

 Home checks may be conducted prior to rehoming where appropriate.

Trustees Responsibility

The Board of Trustees of Canine Welfare Fund holds overall responsibility for ensuring this policy is implemented, monitored and reviewed in accordance with current legislation and recognised good practice.

Trustees are responsible for ensuring,