Causeway Coast animal rescue body urges public to check charity status before donating

Causeway Coast Dog Rescue has highlighted increasing issues with both unregistered groups presenting themselves as charities and registered charities failing to meet basic legal requirements such as submitting annual accounts.

Tara Cunningham of Causeway Coast Dog Rescue said: “At a time when many genuine charities are facing unprecedented financial pressure, rising costs, and increasing demand for services, these concerns risk undermining public trust and diverting vital funding away from organisations delivering essential work, particularly when every penny counts.

“Charities across Northern Ireland are working tirelessly to support communities and animals in need, often stepping in where statutory services are either under pressure or are not being provided to the local community.

"It is deeply concerning that some organisations are not meeting their legal obligations, while others may be operating without any formal registration at all. This creates confusion for the public and risks damaging confidence in the entire sector.”

Ms Cunningham said she has written to the Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons outlining a number of concerns and explaining how a multidisciplinary approach is essential “particularly with those working in animal welfare”. She has also these queries with local MLAs.

"People want to help, and their generosity is incredible. But trust is essential and charities rely on the public’s donations to provide these essential services. Donations should be transparent and accountable, so the public can be confident their support is genuinely making a difference.”