Dog Theft Action is delighted to announce that its application to become a registered charity has been accepted by the Charity Commission. Their new registration number is 1115706. This is seen as a major step forward by the action group’s Trustees Advisors and Co-ordinators.

The aims of Dog Theft Action is to "try to bring together the many agencies - the police, dog wardens, RSPCA, local authorities, rescue centres and sanctuaries who are involved in the process of reuniting dogs and owners." Their aim is to encourage these bodies to collate and share information about missing and found dogs.

Since its launch in January 2005, the day to day running of the organisation has been funded entirely by the individuals involved. However the new charitable status means that DTA can now fundraise in order to bring its message of ‘prevention is better than cure’ to a wider distribution field.

Neil Ewart, Chairman of Dog Theft Action says: "As Chairman of Dog Theft Action I am delighted that we have been granted charitable status. This really is a milestone in our campaign to get dog theft taken more seriously in the UK."

"Dog Theft Action is totally non-profit making and to date expenses have been met through the good will of its members. Our new status will make a very big difference and will help us apply for funding to enable us to expand research into dog theft, to attend more events offering information and advice relating to prevention and detection of the growing dog theft problem. This work will undoubtedly benefit all owners of dogs in this country, whether working, show or pet."

The process of applying for charitable status was completed by Treasurer, John Nawrockyi who said, "The biggest decision was whether or not to seek charitable status in the first instance. Once the committee had decided that they wished to pursue this course of action it was a case of seeking the guidance of the Charity Commission as to the application process, the documentation required and the type of evidence which would back up the stated objectives of DTA. I would like to thank Mr. Roy Mitchell in particular at the Charity Commission for his advice in helping us to draft a constitution for our organisation. We also now have six trustees who will govern the charity and submit the various returns required annually by the Commission."

DTA has been invited by many clubs and societies in the canine world to attend functions to discuss details of this heartbreaking crime, directly with their members. Unfortunately it has not been possible to accept many of these invitations as the cost is often prohibitive. Hopefully over the next year DTA will be able to make a commitment to these organisations that have shown an eagerness to unite against dog theft and provide a forum for reinforcement of the issues that surround this problem.

Contact details
Margaret Nawrockyi
DTA Co-ordinator
margaret@dogtheftaction.com
www.dogtheftaction.com