Understanding the Charity's purposes

The Charity's Trustees will make sure that everything the Newfoundland Canine Trust does helps (or intends to support) to achieve the purposes for which it is set up, and for no other purpose.

The Newfoundland Canine Trust's purpose is to provide educational and funding support to Newfoundland dogs in the UK against set criteria. The Trustees ensure the Charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit and also act in the charity’s best interests - they have a duty to act with reasonable care and skill. These legal duties are relevant to a decision to make a grant to another organisation (whether it is a charity or not). Any grant we make must be for activities or outcomes that will achieve the Charity's purposes.

It is vital to be clear about, and make sure the recipient of any grant understands and agrees what the grant can and can't be used for.

The Animal Welfare Act 2006

The Newfoundland Canine Trust (the Charity) understands the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs that was presented to Parliament pursuant to section 15 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Under the 2006 Act you are always responsible for your dog's needs. Furthermore, if you are a parent or guardian of a child under the age of 16 years old, you are responsible for any animal that child looks after. If you are unable to care for your dog at any time, you must make arrangements for another suitable person to look after it on your behalf. It is important to remember that you remain legally responsible for your dog's needs, even when you are away. The person with whom you leave your dog will also be legally responsible for your dog's welfare in your absence.

This Code of Practice applies to all dogs. The purposes of the Code is to provide practical guidance to help you to comply with the provisions set out under Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/45/section/9). It does not tell you precisely how to care for your dog but it does summarise important things you should know and what to do when making decisions about how best to care for your dog. Breach of a provision of this Code is not an offence itself but if proceedings are brought against you for an offence under Section 9 of the Act, the Court will look at whether or not you have complied with the Code in deciding whether you have committed an offence.

If you are unsure about anything to do with the care and welfare of your dog, you should always seek advice from an expert such as a veterinary surgeon, mainly referred to as vet. You will also find reference within this Code to "other suitably qualified dog behaviourists or trainers." These are people who hold the qualifications and experience to provide expert advice on dog welfare and behaviour.