Stray New Zealand
Stray and Abandoned Cat Rescue Centre
About Us
No More Strays
Latest News:
Our research report on stray cats and kittens in Auckland has now been published in the Swiss refereed journal, Animals. Our sincere thanks to Professor Michael Calver and the team from Murdoch University, Perth, for compiling this report, and also to Dr. Russell Tucker and the team from the Kohimarama Vet Clinic in Auckland for providing much of the data.
Watch our Research Videos page for two interesting and professional talks on the issues of TNR (Trap, Neuter, Re-Abandon) and Euthanasia.
Read the latest e-mails from OneSPCA on Desexing and Stray Cats on our OneSPCA Desexing page, below.
Cat Rescue groups throughout New Zealand are now listed on our Stray Cat Rescue Groups page below. Use this to get in touch with a group near you if you need help with stray cats and kittens.
Vote for us NOW on My Giving Circle. It's FREE. Click on the Giving Circle Page below now and help us help the strays. Please help us WIN. VOTE EVERY WEEK.
Thank you all for trying to reach our TARGET of NZ$2 million to purchase land for New Zealand's first dedicated and regenerative Stray Cat Rescue Centre. We didn't make the target this time, but we'll keep trying. The Strays need a caring place to go. Please donate direct to us and help make this happen. All donations are Tax Deductible.
Stray Cats New Zealand Trust is dedicated to rescuing all stray and abandoned cats and kittens in New Zealand. We wish to end their suffering, and find them a good home with responsible owners.
See pictures of rescued cats and kittens on our Rescued Cats page below.
We are delighted to say that we are Registered Charity with the Charities Commission, No. CC57796. This means that all donations you make to us are Tax Deductible. You can see details about us on their website www.charities.govt.nz
Our focus is on raising $10 million to complete the design and build. All donations gratefully received. Please go to our Donate page to Donate now for the stray cats of New Zealand.
We hope you like our logo, specially designed by Beam, our Marketing expert.
Very best wishes to all,
Peter
Cat Rescue Groups
Looking for a Cat Rescue Group in your area?
Full list below, covering the whole of New Zealand
Research Report
A significant research report on the stray cats of Auckland has been published on 5th September 2022. A new management strategy - TAR - Trap, Assess, Resolve, is described, along with the ailments identified as being suffered by the strays on first being rescued. Our thanks to Professor Michael Calver and the team of Murdoch University, Perth, for analysing the data kindly provided by the Kohimarama Vet Clinic of Auckland.
My Giving Circle
Stray Cats NZ Trust is now eligible to share in $500,000 in grants distributed by MyGivingCircle each year.
<a href="https://mygivingcircle.
ACTION now:
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Many thanks,
Peter
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Research Videos
Two significant and interesting talks from the Companion Animal Trust Conference, held on Zoom in October 2021. Click on the Links to view.
The first is by Associate Professor Ngaio Beausoleil which effectively debunks any notion that TNR (Trap, Neuter, Re-Abandon), is either effective or humane.
The second is by Dr. Heather Bacon on decision making processes on Euthanasia, ensuring both animal and human wellbeing. This highly professional talk effectively debunks Position Paper 9j of the NZ Veterinary Association which is shown to be outdated and substantially incorrect. See below.
Euthanasia or destruction of stray catsCommentary and CritiquePolicy type: Position statement
Reference: 9j
Status: Current
Date ratified: May 2018
Definition Euthanasia = easy death NZVA’s on policy on euthanasia of cats and dogs describes minimising distress, and informs us that “veterinarians should strive to euthanase an animal within its physical and behavioural comfort zones and, where possible, prepare a calming environment.” Euthanasia is not a term therefore that applies to the killing of stray, unsocialised, frightened, and distressed cats. Euthanasia is clearly a term that applies to the killing of stray, unsocialized, frightened, and distressed cats. The NZVA Policy above does not contradict this. It is generally accepted that the term “destruction” is used to describe this process. It is not generally accepted that the term “destruction” is used to describe this process. The euthanasia of stray, unsocialized, frightened, and distressed cats is a humane and widely accepted process of relieving cats from a life of interminable suffering due to starvation, sickness and stress.
Background Many veterinarians in New Zealand are presented with the scenario of a stray cat being brought to the veterinary clinic for euthanasia, often by a member of the public. The legalities around the decision making process are complex and require careful consideration and adequate due diligence before euthanasia or destruction* is undertaken. It is important for veterinarians to familiarise themselves with the definitions of cats as this is fundamental to the decision-making process regarding treatment and euthanasia or destruction of stray cats.
Legal & Practical Definitions of Cats The Animal Welfare (Companion Cats) Code of Welfare 2007 contains definition a of cat categories that is generally accepted in New Zealand today: Companion cat
A common domestic cat (including a kitten unless otherwise stated) that lives with humans as a companion and is dependent on humans for its welfare. Feral cat
A cat which is not a stray cat and which has none of its needs provided by humans. Feral cats generally do not live around centres of human habitation. Feral cat population size fluctuates largely independently of humans, is self-sustaining and is not dependant on input from the companion cat population. Stray cat
A companion cat which is lost or abandoned, or born stray, and which is living as an individual or in a group (colony). Stray cats have many of their needs indirectly supplied by humans, and live around centres of human habitation. Stray cats will breed with the unneutered companion and stray cat population. Most unowned cats presented to veterinary clinics will be ‘stray cats’ by definition, and as such, may potentially be owned or semi-owned, regardless of whether they are socialised or not. Very few truly feral cats (by definition), will be presented to veterinary clinics by a member of the public. Even when a cat is believed to be feral according to the definition in the Code of Welfare, it is still imperative to ensure, as a veterinarian, that the cat is not identified by a microchip or any other form of identification before undertaking euthanasia or destruction. Unowned cats with which veterinarians deal can be divided into two meaningful categories:
- Socialised or tame stray cats – can be handled, may be semi-owned, or have a carer that considers that they have some relationship with, and responsibility to, the cat. These cats may appear unsocialised in the first instance, when caged, but settle to varying degrees, given time.
- Unsocialised stray cats – cannot be handled, BUT may be semi-owned, or have a carer that considers that they have some relationship with, and responsibility to, the cat. These cats will likely display fearful behaviour (i.e. hissing, spitting, batting) when caged, and will not settle given time.
Relevant Laws In the absence of a specific Act regarding the management of cats, the Animal Welfare Act 1999 becomes the obvious piece of legislation to provide veterinarians with direction on their responsibilities. Unfortunately the Animal Welfare Act itself doesn’t specifically address this issue. The Act does not make any provision for a veterinarian to euthanase or destroy a stray cat, nor does it specifically say they cannot. Section 138 of the Act makes provision for a veterinarian to destroy a ‘severely injured or sick animal’ ONLY if the animal is suffering ‘unreasonable or necessary pain or distress’, provided they have exhausted all reasonable efforts to locate an owner. There is also a facility within the Act, to euthanase or destroy and animal if permission is granted by a warranted animal welfare officer. Precisely: Stray cats suffer “Unreasonable Distress.” The Five Freedoms are an important part of the Animal Welfare Act (See SPCA Kids Education website). These are Freedom from Hunger and Thirst; Freedom from Discomfort; Freedom from Pain, Suffering, Injury or Disease; Freedom to express normal behaviour; Freedom from Fear and Distress. The Veterinary Council Code of Professional Conduct (COPC) states that where veterinarians act independently and in reliance on section 138, they must be sure that they follow all the obligatory procedural steps to minimise the risk of associated legal liability and should document the same. The Act attempts to address the issue of healthy stray animals through Section 141 which makes the provision for an ‘approved organisation’ such as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to hold any stray animal for a statutory 7 days to allow reclamation. After this time, only the approved organisation has the legislated power to euthanase, destroy, foster or rehome that animal. It is important to understand that private veterinarians are not afforded this power under the Act. The Act only covers the SPCA. Any other animal welfare organization or member of the public can bring a stray cat to any vet for euthanasia without the Provisions of Sections 138 and 141 applying. The Act also allows a warranted animal welfare officer to destroy a stray cat immediately when the animal is, as a consequence of containment or severe injury, severely distressed (i.e. suffering unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress). This includes psychological distress as likely to be seen when unsocialised stray cats are contained (i.e. displaying wild-type, extreme fear-aggressive behaviours). This can also occur with many socialised cats, immediately after containment - therefore, extreme care must be taken to ensure advice and subsequent destruction decisions are timely, and that destruction is limited to only those animals with genuinely compromised welfare. An animal welfare officer would normally seek veterinary advice on the matter, before approving destruction. An animal welfare officer can choose to bring cats to a private veterinarian and authorise their euthanasia or destruction under section 141 of the Act.
Euthanasia or Destruction Decision-making The NZVA and the Veterinary Council of New Zealand (VCNZ) have sought legal opinion regarding the interpretation of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and its implications for veterinarians in practice and agree that two scenarios exist when stray cats are presented for euthanasia or destruction. Foremost, veterinary clinics do not have to accept stray cats in to their care, nor agree to euthanase or destroy them if presented to the clinic by the public. An informed consent process, including documentation that clearly states the ownership, guardian or agent status of the person presenting the cat, is critical to identify the relationship of the presenting agent to the animal. This requires preparation and training of staff, so that they are clear about the law relating to stray cats, and how to manage incoming queries. It also requires the training of staff in the methods required to handle unsocialized stray cats. All veterinary staff, as part of their training, need to be made aware that their job is to relieve suffering, not prolong it. There are significant health and safety risks associated with managing unsocialised strays, and legally, a veterinarian is not required to receive or accept a stray cat in a cage. Veterinarians and allied para-professional staff should educate their clients about stray cats, encourage use of a paper collar system, and if truly a socialised stray is presented, direct the public to contact the SPCA so the cat can be re-homed. It is patently ridiculous to even remotely suggest that members of the public attempt to place a paper collar on stray cat. Even if a vet were to do this when the cat is sedated it is a totally useless procedure. Unfortunately the SPCA, at least in Auckland, are little interested in accepting stray cats from the public. Quote: “Recently we reduced the number of cat cages in the Animal Hospital Cat Ward by 12. Head Nurse Tharsan Balachandran. October 2017. Official Communication to SPCA Supporters.” It is also sadly evident that callers to the Auckland SPCA requesting assistance with stray cats are turned away, as are those who bring a stray cat to the Hospital. Socialised or tame stray cats – there is a significant risk that these cats may be owned or semi-owned and as such, immediate euthanasia is ill-advised. NZVA’s recommendation is that these cats are best managed by SPCA (as the “approved organisation”) that can exercise its duty under section 141 of the Animal Welfare Act. Potentially another agency (e.g. cat management charity or veterinary clinic) can assist, if delegated authority by SPCA to hold animals under s141. Animals can then be held on behalf of SPCA, at any location – the SPCA must be notified to activate s141, and begin the 7day hold period. No other agency has this authority, and it cannot be done retrospectively. There is no legal provision for a veterinarian to euthanase a healthy, stray cat, unless it is unequivocally clear there is NO potential ownership claim to the cat – this is extremely unlikely unless the cat is truly feral. This doesn’t preclude a veterinarian electing to euthanase or destroy an animal but there may be implications in choosing to do so, and these should be considered at a practice policy level. So what is “truly feral”? The primary implications to consider are the ongoing suffering of the cat if euthanasia is not carried out. Practice Policies are secondary to the overriding responsibility of all vets to put the welfare of the cat first. Unsocialised, stray cats – veterinarians will need to exercise significant due diligence and take all steps to minimise their legal liability before electing to destroy an unsocialised, stray cat. The distressed behaviour of a stray cat in response to being caged is easily misinterpreted (i.e. socialised, and even owned cats may behave similarly) and accordingly, assumptions should not be made that there is no person in charge of the animal. The primary implications to consider are the ongoing suffering of the cat if euthanasia is not carried out. The overriding responsibility of all vets to put the welfare of the cat first. The behavior of an unsocialised stay cat is not “easily misinterpreted.” There is no requirement for a veterinarian to take such an animal in to their care. See section in bold above. The decision to destroy an unsocialised stray should not be made lightly – colony carers may consider that they have relationships with these cats, even though they are not social. Colony Carers are few and far between. It requires going out every night for up to fifteen years to feed the same cats at personal cost, likely to amount to $15,000 for food alone for one colony. Add vet bills and transport costs and it becomes ridiculous. With around 20,000 stray cat colonies in Auckland alone you are talking about costs exceeding $300,000,000! No wonder the Community Cat Coalition Inc. has a low reputation with the SPCA: Andrea Midgen, SPCA CEO pers. comm. A warranted SPCA inspector can only exercise his/her powers to euthanase under the s141(2)(aa) Act if the cat is in custody of the approved organisation – i.e. they have accepted custody (there are other provisions for euthanasia under the Act that don’t relate to this scenario). NOTE:
If the cat is unsocial, and not able to be re-homed, there is no reason, nor mandate why SPCA would accept the cat – they are not a “pest destruction company” for unwanted, unsocial stray cats. There is no law that relates to the management of these cats, unless there is severe injury, severely distressed (i.e. suffering unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress). The SPCA exists to provide succour for stray cats alongside all other types and categories of companion animals. All unsocialized stray cats are severely distressed (ie suffering unreasonable and/or unnecessary pain or distress) need to be relieved from such a poor and unacceptable quality of life, by humane euthanasia. The SPCA and all vets are required by virtue of their existence to put the welfare of each unsocialized stray cat first, and euthanase those for whom the alternative is a short and miserable life due to ongoing starvation, sickness, and stress. The SPCA Mission Statement says: “To Encourage the Humane Treatment of all animals, and to prevent cruelty that may be inflicted upon them. To be achieved by: Providing a shelter for animals requiring care and attention with facilities that will cater for their complete needs, and ensuring the promotion of long term adoption for suitable animals….. Providing leadership in….professionally enforcing existing laws and regulations that have been established for their protection.” If only this were true for stray cats.
Euthanasia and Destruction Procedure Prior to electing to euthanase a stray cat veterinarians should in all cases:
- At all times, have a consent form signed for prior to euthanasia/destruction that includes identification of the relationship of the person to the cat e.g.
a. Owner
b. Guardian
c. Person in charge
d. Presenting agent - A clear history for the cat should be established
a. Where the cat was caught
b. Who caught the cat
c. Identifying features
d. Any history,
e. How long it had been present for, how often is it seen. - Document any attempts (by the person presenting the cat) to find its owner
- A computerised history of the euthanasia/destruction should be generated and all information recorded on it.
- Attempt to identify a potential owner
a. Door knocking
b. Paper collar system (see link below)
c. Fliers - ALWAYS scan for a microchip, irrespective of whether the cat appears to be unsocialised or not.
- Check for a collar, or collar marks
- Look for other possible forms of identification (ear tattoos, de-sexing scars etc.)
- Check/feel for a spey wound or male neutering
- Ask the person presenting the cat if they are aware of anyone who may believe they are the owner.
- Check with the local SPCA.
- Check (and list, if the cat is to be held) on lost pet registries for candidates
- Exhaust all possibilities to attempt to identify an owner before electing to euthanase/destroy. Consider returning the cat with a paper collar and contact number requesting that the owner contact the clinic or SPCA immediately.
Summary Unless the SPCA accepts the cat into their custody (it may be held at another location, whilst in their custody), they have no powers to make decisions about cat. They may, however, be able to provide advice on how to proceed. If social, and re-homeable, SPCA may accept custody of the animal. If in doubt, and the psychological welfare of the cat will not be unduly compromised, consider sedating (including anxiolysis) and holding the cat for several days to allow time for an owner to come forward.
If presented with a stray, it is prudent to immediately contact SPCA, and initiate the processes under the Act (i.e. 7-day hold). This cannot be done retrospectively – i.e. the veterinary clinic cannot hold for 7 days and then seek SPCA mandate to re-home or euthanase. If the scenarios and criteria outlined in this position statement are satisfied and all obligations under both the Animal Welfare Act and the VCNZ COPC have been fully understood and considered, then sufficient ‘due diligence’ has been performed. In this case, veterinarians should feel comfortable making decisions about euthanasia/destruction. It should be emphasised again however, that caution is advised in these situations, and where any doubt exists, veterinarians should consider carefully their alternatives. Making an error may result in an aggrieved owner, reputational damage or potentially a claim against the practice or veterinarian.
Further reading http://www.nzcac.org.nz/images/downloads/nz-national-cat-management-strategy-discussion-paper.pdf
Survey 2021
Freya Byrt is an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Applied Science Degree at Unitec. For her final year project, Freya am investigating stray cats within Central Auckland, Lynfield to Otahuhu. This research aims to better understand the attitudes of people, including cat owners, stray cat carers and the general public, towards stray cats and to collect accurate GPS locations and abundance of stray cat colonies within Central Auckland. This study is purely investigative, and there is no intention to interfere with or remove any cats. You can help Freya with this research by sharing your opinions and knowledge in this short survey:
https://survey.zohopublic.com/
I’d also appreciate it if you could share the above information with interested parties in newsletters, group emails, or on your social media. Thank you for taking the time to read about this research. Your contribution makes it possible.
Stray Cats Rescued
No More Strays
Stray Cats rescued
We have rescued stray cats in the Auckland region. Sadly no longer able to do this, being an OAP. Please see the list of Rescue Groups on our Cat Rescue Groups page. See pictures of rescued cats in Learn More.
Learn MoreRescued Stray Cats and Kittens in South Auckland
Please click on the XL spreadsheet under Learn More to see details of all the stray cats and kittens rescued by Carol and I. It is sad that so many were too unsociable to rehome. If we had a Rescue Centre we could save more.
Learn MoreDonate
Very many thanks for your kindness for the stray and abandoned cats and kittens. Please see the XL spreadsheet of rescued cats and kittens on the Stray Cats Rescued page. We need donations to pay the veterinary and other costs. 50+ felines have cost just over $5,000.
Donations to complete the design and build our Cat Rescue Centre gratefully received. $10 million required. Please say if your donation is for the Centre or to pay the vet bills of those we have rescued in Otahuhu.
Our Bank Accounts, with the ASB are:
Veterinary and General 12 3027 0027645 00
Rescue Centre 12 3027 0027645 01
Please give us your name and contact details so we can send you a receipt. All donations are Tax Deductible.
https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/httpswwwstraycatsnzorg
Contact us
No More Strays
- Auckland, New Zealand
OneSPCA Stray Cat Policy
The OneSPCA database is capable of capturing notes and recording all the things we require for our teams to operate safely and to do their jobs. As per one of my earlier emails, every call we get and every job we attend is situation specific, and we record everything relevant each time. This includes actions needed or completed as appropriate. Kind regards, Jono
I think I misinterpreted your original email, if you are asking about colony’s of strays then it depends on the situation but each call is assessed individually by the call taker at the time it’s received and several actions may result. Our response depends on whether these animals are on someone’s property, whether they are being cared for, whether there are health concerns (taking into account what we have both said below), whether the animals are vulnerable, and what the person who is contacting us is seeking and willing to do for the animals. You will obviously know that we are active proponents of desexing for healthy strays and do support TNR programmes when appropriate to do so https://www.spca.nz/advice-
Firstly thanks for getting in touch and for passing on Fiona’s question. Andrea asked if I was able to respond to your email as the SPCA Contact Centre is one of the operational departments that I oversee. Each call our Contact Centre team receives about an animal tends to be quite context specific, and there are obviously a number of different actions we take and different things we may advise pending both the animal and the caller’s specific situation. The Contact Centre team are however, always happy to discuss with a caller any concerns they have around a stray animal they have found and we always engage with the caller to identify whether there are concerns around the animals health. Many of our callers identify when animals are sick or injured by obvious wounds, visible flea infestations, limps, etc., and they volunteer this information to us before we even ask. In fact this is quite common, the majority of our callers are animal lovers who are highly concerned about the animals they are calling about and tell us as much as they can and do as much as possible to help in the circumstance. However, you’ve currently noted that sometimes signs of sickness are a little more subtle and for that reason we can’t always assume callers initial observation captured everything relevant to know, so we often prompt with extra questions to identify if the animal is in need of medical care. Our team are trained to ask follow-up questions around things like weepy eyes, the animals stool, its ability to move normally, lethargy or weight (etc.). They will also ask about the situation the animal is in at the time for example, if the animal was trapped inside a contained area without food or water the animal is clearly at risk of harm even if it is healthy! We then provide the most relevant advise to get the animal appropriate medical treatment or to help resolve the situation. There are of course times where a potential stray animal is not sick but is considered vulnerable and in those circumstances we’d definitely help (for example bottle babies/neonates, or animals dumped outside their normal environments). Our goal is for these highly vulnerable animals to receive care as soon as possible. Kind regards,Jono
| Jono PeddieProject Manager – Adoptions and Foster/VolunteerSPCA | Mangere Centre | 50 Westney Rd | MangerePO Box 43221 | Mangere | Auckland | 2022 | New ZealandM: 022 658 3079E: jono.peddie@spca.nz | W: w |
From: straycats straycatsnz <straycatsnz@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, 29 October 2021 12:22 PM
To: Andrea Midgen <andrea.midgen@spca.nz>
Subject: Fwd: "Sick or Injured" Hi Andrea, Fiona Esam has recommended I ask you this question, rather than the Conference panel: OneSPCA has a policy of rejecting communications from members of the public for the rescue of Stray cats, unless they are "sick or injured". Given that these requests are from lay members of the community who have little or no knowledge of cats, how can OneSpca place absolute confidence in the assessment of lay people, when, in fact, only a vet can realistically make a judgement on the issue when actually viewing the cat in their surgery? Best wishes, Peter Trustee Stray Cats NZ Trust
If you would like to comment on the above, respectfully, please e-mail Andrea Midgen, OneSPCA CEO, and also straycatsnz@gmail.com
Projects
No More Strays
Project 1
The initial Rescue Centre Design project has now concluded, and been a great success. Fifteen stunning designs were submitted by the students, in both urban and rural settings. Four have been selected for the next stage. Our grateful thanks to the supervisors, Martin Axe and Peter Townsend, our veterinary advisor Dr. Jess Beer, and our special appreciation to the students who worked so hard on this challenging project to produce such excellent results.
Please see four stunning designs on our Rescue Centre Design page. We need $10 million to build. All donations gratefully received.
Project 2
We have been working for the past year, together with other cat groups, on the Auckland Council Best Practice for Cats. The meetings have been run by Dr. Imogen Bassett, Auckland Council Manager, assisted by Cathy Casey, Auckland Councillor. We are pleased to say that although the meetings were often fraught and tense that we have together achieved a successful outcome.
The brochure, Best Practice Guidelines for Cat Ownership and Welfare, can be viewed on the Auckland Council website:
www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
or see our Best Practice Guidelines page below.Rescue Centre
Rescue Centre Design and Build
The Rescue Centre design project has been a great success. Our thanks and appreciation to Michael Davis of the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland for taking on this project, and Martin Axe and Peter Townsend for guiding and supervising the Stage III students through this challenging enterprise. Also to Dr. Jess Beer for freely giving professional advice to the students. Our sincere thanks to the students who have permitted their inspiring and innovative designs to be shown on this website. They are: Belinda Gong, Samantha Polovnikoff, Helen Yue, and Stephen Njoto. These designs can be viewed on the Content Page below. If you would like to use any of these designs in building your own Stray Cat Rescue Centre please contact us and we will be happy to help.
Rescue Centre Designs
Four stunning designs for an iconic Cat Rescue Centre can be seen below. Please click.
We are now focused on raising $10 million to complete the designs and build.
All donations gratefully received. We are delighted to say we are now a Registered Charity, CC57796. This means that all donations from you are Tax Deductible. Our Bank Account, with the ASB, for Rescue Centre donations is:
12 3027 0027645 01
Please let us know your contact details so we can send you a receipt. Thank you very much.
Samantha Polovnikoff Design.pdf
Stephen Njoto formal drawings.pdf
Stephen Njoto Design.pdf
CommUnity
CommUnity is free for individual members or community groups to join. Community groups register with CommUnity, CommUnity Members can then select up to three registered community groups to support with their spending at participating merchants. Merchants pay a small annual listing fee to register with CommUnity and will benefit by being added to our list of participating merchants and being actively promoted to CommUnity Members. CommUnity Merchants also benefit by forming stronger bonds with their local communities, differentiating themselves from global brands and retailers who have few incentives to give back at the community level. Add to this the ability to use the CommUnity dashboard to see exactly how much business their participation is generating, freedom from complex card-based loyalty schemes and their related costs, and finally having a positive and constructive answer for all those heartfelt requests for sponsorship and it’s not hard to see that with CommUnity, everyone wins!
Best Practice Guidelines
OneSPCA Desexing
Please read these from OneSPCA. There is no plan to resolve the issue of Stray Cats. They are left to the 74 Cat Rescue Groups in New Zealand to rescue and feed. Sadly, in spite of their best efforts, most die of sickness and stavation.
| Thu, Mar 31, 3:44 PM) | ||||
Hi Peter, I believe that the content in my previous emails answers these questions as much as I am able to at present. Please see below for specifics All the best. Rebecca
| Rebecca Dobson National Desexing Programme Manager | Christchurch Centre SPCA | Christchurch Centre | 14 Wilmers road. P.O Box 16880 Christchurch Christchurch | 8025 | New Zealand E: rebecca.dobson@spca.nz | W: www.spca.nz | ||||
From: straycats straycatsnz <straycatsnz@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, 31 March 2022 1:32 pm
To: Rebecca Dobson <rebecca.dobson@spca.nz>
Subject: Stray cats
Hi Rebecca, Many thanks, but no, it does not answer my question.
What is the Action Plan, complete with goals, target, personnel, and funding for the reduction in the number and suffering of stray cats? As I have mentioned in my previous emails, a public-facing strategy will be coming out.
What data and on what platform does OneSPCA record stray cats and colonies? I believe Jono Peddie has answered this question for you
What management reports do you receive on stray cats,and to what use are they put? Our internal reporting and documents such as the NCSMG report, inform our strategy.
What research is currently being carried out on stray cats by the Research division, and when are reports likely to be published? This sits outside my programme.
Best wishes, Peter
On Wed, Mar 30, 2022 at 3:04 PM Rebecca Dobson <rebecca.dobson@spca.nz> wrote:
Hi Peter, As you know, SPCA is a charitable organisation that receives very little government funding. We are here for all species of animals in New Zealand. As such, we do not have the resources to actively search the whole of New Zealand looking for stray cats. We have to rely on the general public to alert us to animals that need help. We do the best we can with the resources available to us, knowing that it is not only stray cats that need our help. We continue to advocate for the implementation of humane and sustainable management strategies, including effective non-lethal cat management, such as managed targeted trap-neuter-return programmes with the overall goal of no stray cats in New Zealand. We acknowledge the efforts that many people go to in order to support the lives of individual stray cats and those living in colonies. SPCA advocates for humane and effective stray cat management that results in no stray cats in New Zealand. SPCA also advocates for the implementation of management strategies carried out in accordance with best practice guidance (such as ear tipping). SPCA does not support managed targeted trap-neuter-return programmes in ecologically sensitive areas where cats pose a significant risk to native wildlife. I hope that this answers your question. Kind regards, Rebecca
From: straycats straycatsnz <straycatsnz@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, 22 March 2022 11:11 am
To: Rebecca Dobson <rebecca.dobson@spca.nz>
Subject: Stray cats The problem is that OneSPCA does not provide a comprehensive rescue service for stray cats, leaving it to individual members of the public to "bring them in." The net result is continued suffering for the strays, and more kittens, most of whom die. Is this Preventing Cruelty? Best wishes, Peter
On Tue, Mar 22, 2022 at 8:21 AM Rebecca Dobson <rebecca.dobson@spca.nz> wrote:
Hi Peter, To answer your question, we provide welfare services to all animals who are sick, injured, vulnerable, and abused; this includes stray cats. Please see our website on all the various ways we are caring for the animals of New Zeland https://www.spca.nz/what-we-do If anyone contacts us about an animal they are concerned with, including stray cats, we will provide the appropriate response or advice for that situation. We also have desexing campaigns currently running throughout New Zealand, which as I have explained before, contributes to reducing the number of stray cats. I trust that this answers your questions on what SPCA is doing for stray cats. All the best Rebecca
From: straycats straycatsnz <straycatsnz@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, 17 March 2022 4:26 pm
To: Rebecca Dobson <rebecca.dobson@spca.nz>
Subject: Stray cats
Hi Rebecca, Many thanks, but this does nothing for the numerous strays that are out there today. What is the OneSPCA strategy to reduce the suffering currently undergone by stray cats? Best wishes, Peter
On Wed, Mar 16, 2022 at 4:01 PM Rebecca Dobson <rebecca.dobson@spca.nz> wrote:
Hi Peter, While SPCA has been doing a lot of desexing work over many years, The National Desexing Programme is very new. This programme will involve a holistic and multifaceted approach to desexing that will reduce the number of unwanted animals in New Zealand and by proxy, the number of stray cats. A public strategy for this programme will be made available later this year. Once we have this up on our website, I will also forward a copy to you. All the best. Rebecca
To: Rebecca Dobson <rebecca.dobson@spca.nz>
Subject: Stray cats
Hi Rebecca, Very pretty, but a long way from a detailed Action Plan. Do you not have one? Best wishes, Peter
On Tue, Mar 15, 2022 at 2:12 PM Rebecca Dobson <rebecca.dobson@spca.nz> wrote:
Hi Peter, Thank you for your advice and your feedback regarding Snip n Chip. In terms of the action plan, I have attached our one-page strategy for 2019-29; this can also be found on our website https://www.spca.nz/about/reporting-back All the best Rebecca
From: straycats straycatsnz <straycatsnz@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, 15 March 2022 11:21 am To: Rebecca Dobson <rebecca.dobson@spca.nz>
Subject: Stray cats
Hi Rebecca, Many thanks; pleased to hear that Snip and Chip is progressing. I have a copy of the latest NCSMG report, which at this stage is nothing more than a piece of paper. I am looking for the OneSPCA Action Plan to resolve the issue of Stray and Abandoned cats, with the goal of: No More Strays. The first step is to establish a database, based on information from the public, on the location and number of stray cat colonies and number of stray cats there. This will give OneSPCA an idea of the size of the problem, and therefore the resources required to resolve this issue. Contact Fiona and David of the Companion Animal Trust, as they are working on this now. What is the OneSPCA Plan of Action? Best wishes, Peter
On Tue, Mar 15, 2022 at 10:15 AM Rebecca Dobson <rebecca.dobson@spca.nz> wrote:
Hi Peter, My name is Rebecca, and I am the National Desexing Programme Manager for SPCA. Regarding your question about an SPCA Action Plan, I have attached the New Zealand National Cat Management Strategy Group Report (which SPCA is a member of). This multi-stakeholder document discusses stray cats, kittens, companion and feral cats and is publicly available from the Companion Animal New Zealand website. This document also includes recommendations for humanely and effectively improving cat management for all cats in New Zealand. We are currently working on expanding our Snip n Chip programme nationally. This will increase the ability for more people to get their companion animal desexed, which we know stems the flow of unwanted kittens and stray cats from the companion animal population. Part of this programme requires cats to be microchipped at the time of desexing, this is designed to increase lost or stray cats being reunited with their owners. I hope this helps answer your query. Kind regards, Rebecca
Poster
Trust Deed, Trustees
Welcome to Stray Cats New Zealand Trust.
Our initial Trustees are:
Peter George Dormon
Beverley Reid
Victoria Lucia Young
Our focus is to raise $10 million to complete the design of our Cat Rescue Centre, and build it.
Charitable Trust Deed
STRAY CATS NEW ZEALAND TRUST
THIS DEED is made the 1st day of November 2019
BETWEEN
Name Occupation
Peter George Dormon Retired
Beverley Reid Retired
Victoria Lucia Young Retired
WHEREAS
A. The parties to this Deed wish to establish a Charitable Trust (in this Deed referred to as “the Trust”) for the purposes described in Clause 3 of this Deed, and
B. The parties to this Deed have agreed to contribute the sum of One Dollar each to establish the Trust; and
C. They have agreed to enter into this deed specifying the purposes of the Trust and providing for its control and government.
1. TE INGOA / NAME:
The name of the Trust is Stray Cats New Zealand Trust, hereafter called “the Trust”.
2. MÄTÄPONO / PRINCIPLES
In attaining its aims the Trust is committed to the following principles:
2.1 We commit to mitigate the suffering of all stray and abandoned cats and kittens.
2.2 We advocate for the wellbeing of all stray and abandoned cats and kittens.
2.3 We commit to locating and removing all stray and abandoned cats and kittens from locations where they are suffering, or unwanted, or causing a problem, or causing a nuisance.
2.4 We commit to accepting into our Cat Rescue Centres all stray and abandoned cats and kittens that have been removed from any locations where they are suffering, or unwanted, or causing a problem, or causing a nuisance.
2.5 We commit to purchasing land for the construction of Cat Rescue Centres.
2.6 We commit to designing and building Cat Rescue Centres.
2.7 We commit to operating purpose-built Cat Rescue Centres for the benefit of rescued stray and abandoned cats and kittens.
2.8 We commit to care for, rehabilitate, and rehome stray and abandoned cats and kittens that are in the Trust’s care.
2.9 We inform our position and activities using best practice and scientific knowledge.
2.10 We commit to the Policy of Trap, Assess, Resolve, for each stray or abandoned cat and kitten.
2.11 We commit to assisting communities experiencing problems with stray and abandoned cats and kittens.
2.12 We commit to educate the public and heighten public awareness of:
the suffering endured by stray and abandoned cats and kittens through starvation, sickness, and stress.
the impact of stray cat colonies on community health and the natural environment.
the benefits of reducing the stray cat population with the ultimate object of “no more strays”.
the humane treatment of cats and best practice for their care.
the advantages of spaying female cats and neutering male cats at eight weeks of age or 900gms in weight.
2.13 We commit to changing human behaviour to achieve the active acceptance of
Clause 2.12.
2.14 We commit to making practical and realistic decisions at all times for each and every stray or abandoned cat and kitten.
2.15 We commit to co-operating with other Trusts, clubs, societies, and informal groups that have compatible objects.
2.16 We commit to doing all such lawful things as are incidental or conducive to the foregoing objects or any of them.
3. WHÄINGA / PURPOSE
The purpose of the Trust is to mitigate the suffering of stray and abandoned cats and kittens by rescuing each and every one, providing care and security at our Cat Rescue Centres, and rehoming all that are sociable. Unsociable stray cats will be euthanased unless a secure and caring environment can be found.
In order to facilitate this, the Trust will (as resources permit):
3.1 Design and build Cat Rescue Centres.
3.2 Operate and manage Cat Rescue Centres using professional staff and volunteers.
3.3 Maintain the Cat Rescue Centres to a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness.
3.4 Rescue stray and abandoned cats and kittens under the Trap, Assess, Resolve policy.
3.5 Create and operate a comprehensive Stray Cat and Cat Colony database.
3.6 Work with other animal shelters and relevant organisations for the ongoing care and rehoming of stray cats.
3.7 Commission and disseminate research into stray cats and publish such research in refereed journals.
3.8 Work with other animal shelters and relevant organisations to promote real-time collaboration and information sharing on stray and abandoned cats and kittens.
3.9 Undertake other such activities consistent with this charitable purpose.
4. TARI / OFFICE
The office of the Trust will be in such place in New Zealand as the Board of Trustees may from time to time determine.
5. ACTIVITIES LIMITED TO NEW ZEALAND
The activities of the Trust will be limited to Aotearoa/New Zealand.
6. TE RUNANGA WHAKAHAERE / THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
6.1 The Board will comprise between two and seven Trustees.
6.2 The signatories to this deed will be the first Board. The Trustees will elect from among themselves a Chairman. A Secretary and Treasurer and other Officers as deemed necessary will also be appointed from among themselves or from non-Trust members. An election of office-bearers will be held at the first meeting of the Board following the execution of this Deed and whenever a vacancy occurs. Positions may be combined.
6.3 A person will immediately cease to be Trustee on presenting their resignation in writing, dies, is declared bankrupt, or is found to be a mentally disordered person within the meaning of the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 or subsequent enactment, or is convicted for an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and subsequent amendments.
6.4 The Board will have the power to fill any vacancy that arises in the Board or to appoint any additional Trustees, subject to Clause 7.1.
6.5 The Board may continue to act notwithstanding any vacancy, but if their number is reduced below the minimum number of Trustees as stated in this Deed, the continuing Trustee/s may act for the purpose of increasing the number of Trustees to that minimum only.
6.6 The Board may, by a motion decided by two-thirds (⅔) majority of votes, terminate a person’s position as a Trustee and member of the Board, if it reasonably believes that such action is in the best interests of the Trust.
6.7 The name of the Board will be the ‘Stray Cats New Zealand Trust Board’.
7. NGA HUI O RUNANGA WHAKAHAERE / MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
All matters will be decided by the Board at a Board meeting.
7.1 The procedure for Board meetings will be as follows:
7.1.1 A quorum will be a minimum of two.
7.1.2 If a Trustee or an Office-Bearer does not attend three (3) consecutive meetings of the Board without leave of absence that member may, at the discretion and on the decision of the Board, be removed as a Trustee and/or from any Office of the Trust which they hold.
7.1.3 All questions and issues will preferably be decided by consensus. In the event that a consensus cannot be reached, then a decision will be made by a majority vote by show of hands, unless otherwise determined by the Board.
7.1.4 If the voting is tied the motion will be lost.
7.1.5 In the absence of the Chairman the Board will elect a person to chair the meeting from amongst the Trustees present.
7.2 The Board will meet at least two (2) times every year. Meetings will be held in person. The Secretary will ensure that all members of the Board are notified of the meeting in writing.
7.3 The Secretary will ensure that full minutes of each Board meeting are recorded and sent to each Board member within seven days of the meeting. The Secretary will retain a copy of the minutes which will be available to any member of the Board within twenty-four (24) hours of such Board member’s request. The minutes will record, at least:
7.3.1 the names of those present.
7.3.2 the names of those apologizing for absence.
7.3.3 all decisions made by the Board.
7.3.4 any other matters discussed at the meeting.
8. TAKETAKE/ POWERS
In addition to the powers provided by the general law of New Zealand or contained in the Trustees Act 1956 and any subsequent amendments, the powers which the Board may exercise in order to carry out its charitable purposes are as follows:
8.1 To use the funds of the Trust as the Board thinks necessary or expedient in payment of the costs and expenses of the Trust, including the employment of professional staff and advisors according to principles of good employment and the Employment Relations Act 2000 and any subsequent amendments.
8.2 To purchase, take on, or acquire any real or personal property and any rights or privileges which the Board thinks necessary or expedient in order to attain the Purpose of the Trust, and to dispose of the same when replaced by better.
8.3 To invest surplus funds in a Bank Savings Account or Term Deposit only.
8.4 To do all things as may from time to time be necessary or desirable to enable the Board to give effect to and attain the charitable purposes of the Trust.
9. KO NGA RAWA HEI PAINGA MO TE IWI / INCOME, BENEFIT OR ADVANTAGE TO BE APPLIED TO CHARITABLE PURPOSES
9.1 Any income, benefit, or advantage will be applied to the charitable purposes of the Trust.
9.2 No Trustee or member or officer of the Trust or any person associated with a Trustee shall participate inn or materially influence any decision made by the Trustees in respect of any payment to or on behalf of that Trustee or associated person of any income, benefit or advantage whatsoever. Any income paid shall be reasonable and relative to that which would be paid in an arm’s length transaction (being the open market value.) The provision and effect of this Clause shall not be removed from this Deed and shall be implied into any document replacing this Deed of Trust.
10. TURU TAKETAKE / POWER TO DELEGATE
10.1 The Board may from time to time appoint any Committee and may delegate any of its powers and duties to any such Committee, Workgroup, or any person. The Committee, Workgroup, or person may exercise or perform the delegated powers or duties in the same way and with the same effect as the Board itself could have done.
10.2 Any Committee, Workgroup, or person to whom the Board has delegated powers or duties will be bound by the Terms of the Trust and any terms or conditions of the delegation by the Board. Such delegations, terms, and conditions will be set out in writing by the Board, and duly passed by the Board at a Board meeting.
10.3 The Board will be able to revoke such delegation at will, and no such delegation will prevent the exercise of any power or the performance of any duty by the Board.
10.4 It will not be necessary for any person who is appointed to be a member of any such Committee or Workgroup, or to whom such delegation is made, to be a Trustee.
11. PÜTEA / FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS
11.1 The financial year of the Trust will be 1 July to 30 June.
11.2 The Treasurer will ensure that True and Fair accounts are kept of all monies received and expended by the Trust.
11.3 The Treasurer will report the True and Fair financial position of the Trust to every Board meeting in writing.
11.4 The Treasurer will produce True and Fair Annual Accounts to the Board for formal ratification as soon as possible after 30 June, but not later than 30 September.
11.5 The Board will arrange for the Annual Accounts of the Trust for each financial year to be audited by a qualified accountant appointed for that purpose.
12. TE TOHE TAKETAKE / COMMON SEAL
12.1 The Common Seal of the Trust, following its incorporation, shall be kept in the custody and control of the Secretary or such other Officer appointed by the Board.
12.2 When required the Common Seal will be affixed to any document following a resolution of the Board and will be signed by the Chairman or a Trustee duly acting as Chairman, and one other Trustee.
13. WHAKAREREKËTANGA TURE / ALTERATION OF THIS DEED
13.1 The Trustees may, by consensus or pursuant to a motion decided by two-thirds (⅔) majority of votes, by Supplemental Deed make alterations or additions to the terms and provisions of this Deed provided that no alteration or addition will:
13.1.1 detract from the exclusively charitable nature of the Trust or result in the distribution of its assets on winding up or dissolution for any purpose that is not exclusively charitable; or
13.1.2 be made to the Purpose Clause (3), the Activities Limited to New Zealand Clause (5), or the Disposition of Surplus Assets Clause (16) unless it is first approved by the Department of Inland Revenue or its successor department in writing.
14. TAKAWAENGA / MEDIATION AND ARBITRATION
14.1 Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Deed may be referred to mediation, a non-binding dispute resolution process in which an independent mediator facilitates negotiation between parties. Mediation may be initiated by either party writing to the other party and identifying the dispute which is being suggested for mediation. The other party will either agree to proceed with mediation or agree to attend a preliminary meeting with the mediator to discuss whether mediation would be helpful. The parties will agree on a suitable person to act as mediator or ask the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand Inc. to appoint a mediator. The mediation will be in accordance with the Mediation Protocol of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand Inc.
14.2 The mediation shall be terminated by:
14.2.1 The signing of a settlement agreement by the parties; or
14.2.2 Notice to the parties by the mediator, after consultation with the parties, to the effect that further efforts at mediation are no longer justified; or
14.2.3 Notice by one or more of the parties to the mediation to the effect that further efforts at mediation ae no longer justified; or
14.2.4 The expiry of sixty (60) working days from the mediator’s appointment, unless the parties expressly consent to an extension of this period.
14.3 If the mediation should be terminated as provided in 14.2.2, 14.2.3, or 14.2.4, any dispute or difference arising out of or in connection with this Deed, including any question regarding its existence, validity, or termination, shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration in New Zealand in accordance with New Zealand law and current Arbitration Protocol of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand Inc. The arbitration shall be by one arbitrator to be agreed upon by the parties, and if they should fail to agree within twenty-one (21) days, then to be appointed by the President of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand Inc.
15. TAUNAHA / TRUSTEE LIABILITY
It is declared that:
15.1 The Trustees are chargeable respectively only in respect of the money and securities they actually receive, or which, but for their own acts, omissions, neglects, or defaults, they would have received, notwithstanding their signing any receipt for the sake if conformity; and
15.2 They are each answerable and responsible respectively only for their own acts, receipts, omissions, neglects, and defaults, and not for those of each other, or of any banker, broker, auctioneer, or other person with whom, or into whose hands, any Trust money or security is properly deposited or has come.
15.3 No Trustee shall be liable personally for the maintenance, repair, or insurance of any Cat Rescue Centre buildings, property, goods, or equipment.
15.4 No Trustee shall be liable for any loss arising from any cause whatsoever including a breach of duties imposed by Section 13B and/or Section 13C of the Trustees Act 1956 (as enacted by the Trustee Amendment Act 1988, or subsequent amendments) or any statutory replacement or equivalent, unless such loss is attributable to:
15.4.1 Their own dishonesty, or
15.4.2 Their willful commission of an act known by them to be a breach of Trust.
15.5 The Trustees shall from time to time and at all times be indemnified by and out of the Trust assets from and against all costs, charges, losses, damages, and expenses sustained or incurred by them or in or about the execution and discharge of their office or in or about any claim, demand, action, proceeding, or defence at law or in equity in which they may be joined as a party.
16. TE TUKU TOENGA RAWA / DISPOSITION OF SURPLUS ASSETS
On the winding up of the Trust, or on its dissolution by the Registrar, all surplus assets, after the payment of costs, debts, and liabilities will be given to other charitable organisation/s within New Zealand as the Board will decide. If the Trust is unable to make such a decision the surplus assets will be disposed of in accordance with the directions of the High Court pursuant to Section 27 of the Charitable Trusts Act 1957 or subsequent enactment.
Former Constitution
This page is redundant as we are now a Trust, and are therefore subject to the Trust deed. It is retained here FYI, in case you want to know a bit of history.
Stray Cats New Zealand Incorporated
Constitution
- Name
The Organisation shall be called Stray Cats New Zealand Incorporated.
- Registered Office
The registered office shall be the address of the Chairman, or the official office of the Organisation.
- Objects
The objects of the organisation shall be:
To benefit communities experiencing problems with stray and abandoned cats and kittens
To educate the public and heighten public awareness of:
the suffering endured by stray and abandoned cats and kittens through starvation, sickness, and stress
the impact of stray cat colonies on community health and the natural environment
the benefits of reducing the stray cat population with the ultimate object of “no more strays”
the humane treatment of cats and best practice for their care
the advantages of spaying female cats and neutering male cats at eight weeks of age
To purchase land for the construction of Cat Rescue Centres
To design and build one or more Cat Rescue Centres
To operate purpose-built Cat Rescue Centres for the benefit of stray and abandoned cats and kittens
To locate and remove stray and abandoned cats and kittens from locations where they are suffering, unwanted, or causing problems
To care for, rehabilitate, and re-home stray and abandoned cats and kittens that are in the Organisation’s care
To co-operate with other clubs, societies, and informal groups that have compatible objects
To do all such other lawful things as are incidental or conducive to the foregoing objects or any of them.
4. Aim and Policy
The aim of the Organisation is to achieve the goal of No More Strays.
The policy of the Organisation for all stray and abandoned cats and kittens is Trap Assess Resolve (TAR).
This Aim and Policy cannot be changed in any way.
5. Membership
Any person may apply to the secretary for membership and shall be eligible for membership of the Organisation. The application of each person will be formally approved by the Committee, provided that the Committee may reject an application for membership by anyone whose aims or objectives are inconsistent with the objects of the Organisation. Membership will be by payment of the annual subscription or by payment of a regular sum in excess of the annual subscription.
Life Membership will be available on a single payment of $1,000 or such higher sum as agreed by the Committee.
The liability of a member shall be limited to that member’s annual subscription.
6. Cessation of Membership
A member may leave the Organisation at any time by giving notice to the secretary in writing.
The Committee may at any time expel a member who contravenes the constitution of the Organisation.
7. Subscriptions
The financial year of the Association shall be from 1 July to 30 June.
The annual subscription is to be determined each year at the Annual General Meeting.
8. Officers of the Organisation
The Officers of the Organisation shall be the Committee.
Each Officer of the Organisation shall be a fully paid member of the Organisation. The Officers of the Organisation in whom shall be vested the management of the Organisation shall consist of:
Chairman
Vice Chairman
Secretary
Treasurer
Cat Rescue Centre Manager
IT Manager
Customer Services Manager
Foster Home Manager
Fundraising Manager
Marketing Manager
Administration Manager
Cat Rescue Manager
And any other Officer as agreed by the committee. At each Annual General Meeting of the Organisation the committee will be elected by the members and shall hold office until the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting.
9. Committee Function
The Committee shall be charged with the full administration of the affairs and business of the Organisation.
The Committee shall meet at such times and places as may be determined by the Chairman in consultation with the Organisation's officers.
The secretary shall be required to keep all records, and these shall be available for inspection by the Committee at all times.
The Treasurer shall be responsible for the control and investment of the funds of the Organisation. Full accounts will be maintained, all monies received deposited in the designated bank account, and all payments made promptly. Two signatures or authorisations shall be required on each payment or cheque, and these are to be two of the Organisation's Officers. Any surplus monies shall be invested in a bank deposit account or Term Deposit account with the Organisation’s bank.
The IT Manager shall have sole power and authority to change, add, or delete anything on the Organisation’s website with the prior approval of the Committee formally made at a Committee Meeting.
10. Committee Regulation
The Committee shall have power to appoint a member to fill any vacancy on the Committee until the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting.
The Committee shall have the power to co-opt further members as and when required.
Any fully paid up member has the right to attend a Committee meeting but does not have speaking or voting rights.
Any issues should be directed through the relevant Officer of the Organisation, who will then advise the Secretary to include the matter on the agenda.
Any Officer of the Organisation shall have the power to form a sub-committee to discuss and progress their portfolio. A formal report shall be sent to the Secretary to be presented to the Committee at the next meeting.
No Officer shall have the power to change any wording or pictures on the website without the prior approval of the Committee duly recorded at a Committee Meeting.
No Officer shall have the power to communicate any policies or procedures to any member of the Public by any electronic means, computer, or phone device without such policies and procedures being expressly approved by the Committee at a Committee Meeting.
No Officer or Committee Member will receive any financial payment whatsoever, other than reimbursement for authorised expenditure.
Any member of the Committee may tender their resignation in writing to the Secretary at any time.
If a Committee Member misses three consecutive Committee meetings their position will be reviewed by the Committee with a view to their dismissal from the Committee.
The quorum for any Committee meeting shall be five Committee members.
Minutes of each Committee meeting shall be kept by the Secretary and signed as a true and correct record by the Chairman at the next meeting.
11. Private Pecuniary Profit
No Officer, Committee Member, member, volunteer, or employee of the organisation shall make any private pecuniary profit from the organisation during its operation.
12. Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Organisation shall be held in the fourth quarter of the calendar year at such time and place as shall be determined by the Committee. Fourteen days notice of such meeting shall be given in writing by the Secretary to all members. A quorum for the Annual General Meeting shall be a quarter of the fully paid membership.
The order of business for each Annual General Meeting shall be prepared by the Secretary.
The Annual General Meeting shall be held for the following purposes:
To receive a report from the Chairman on the activities of the Organisation for the year.
To receive an audited balance sheet and statement of accounts for the financial year.
To elect the Officers of the Organisation for the ensuing year.
To appoint an Honorary Auditor for the ensuing year.
To conduct any other business that concerns the Organisation.
The Chairman shall take the chair, or in the absence of the Chairman another Officer shall take the chair.
The mode of voting on all questions shall be by a show of hands of all fully paid members present. In the event of any dispute a secret ballot will be held the result of which will be binding.
13. Special General Meeting
A Special General Meeting may be called by 50% of the members so requesting the Secretary to do so to discuss a topic of concern. The procedures for such a meeting will be the same as those for an Annual General Meeting.
14. Alterations to the Rules
These rules may be added to, rescinded, varied or amended by resolution passed by a two-thirds majority at any Annual General Meeting of which fourteen days clear notice has been given with the exception of Rule 4 Aim and Policy.
15. Common Seal
The Committee shall provide and be responsible for the safe custody and control of the Common Seal of the Organisation.
Whenever the Common Seal of the Organisation is required to be affixed to any deed, document, or other instrument the said seal shall be affixed pursuant to a resolution of the Committee and in the presence of two committee members, one of whom shall be the Chairman. Both shall sign the instrument to which the seal is so affixed.
16. Borrowing Powers
The Organisation shall in addition to the other powers vested in it, have the power to borrow or raise money from time to time by the issue of debentures, bonds, mortgages or security founded or based on all or any of the rights of the Organisation or without any such security and upon such terms as to priority and otherwise as the Organisation shall think fit, but the powers of borrowing and raising money shall not be exercised except pursuant to a resolution of the Organisation passed at an Annual General Meeting.
17. Indemnity
The members of the committee and the officers of the Organisation and each and every one of them respectively shall be fully protected and indemnified to the extent of its funds by the Organisation against any loss or damage caused or liability incurred by any person or body by reason of or in connection with any act properly done or omitted in the performance of any of the official duties of the said members of the committee or officers of the Organisation to the intent that no personal liability of any kind shall attach to the said member of the committee or said officers of the Organisation either jointly or severally.
18. Liquidation
In the event of the winding up of the Organisation all the real and personal property of the Organisation shall, after the payment of all costs and liabilities, be paid to the any other official organisation for the care of stray and abandoned cats and kittens that come into its possession.
March 2019
