It was envisaged that the government, in particular, the Home Office, might help in the formation and running of The Companion Animal Welfare Council, in the same way as the Ministry of Agriculture does with the Farm Animal Welfare Council. This, however, was not possible, so it was decided that the Council should be set up after which time it would hopefully have proved its worth and the government would give its support.
To ensure complete independence from those animal welfare bodies which have agreed to fund, a Charitable Trust was set up to receive and hold funds to support the activities of The Companion Animal Welfare Council.
The Welfare Fund For Companion Animals - Charity No. 1070581
The aims and objects of the W.F.C.A. are "the collection and distribution of funds of the Companion Animal Welfare Council". The Trustees of the WFCA have been appointed by way of nominations by The Institute of Chartered Accountants, The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the Law Society, and comprise as follows:
Mr Anthony Bate
His Honour Frederick Beezley
The Baroness Fookes of Plymouth DBE
Mr Tim Hayward MA FCA
Mr John Hird MRCVS
The Lord Slynn of Hadley
The Welfare Fund for Companion Animals will allocate funds to the Companion Animal Welfare Council for its working studies. It will judge when the money offers are acceptable and also it will judge whether funds can be released. It will not, however, have any influence on how the Council chooses to use the funds.
For further details on the work of The Welfare Fund for Companion Animals please contact the Honorary Secretary/Administrator.
Dr Elizabeth D Svendsen, MBE, Sidmouth, Devon. EX10 0NU