This section brings together our guidance, reports, key decisions and other resources that could help trustees understand the scope of ‘the advancement of animal welfare’.

What is meant by ‘the advancement of animal welfare’?

1. The advancement of animal welfare includes any purpose directed towards the prevention or suppression of cruelty to animals or the prevention or relief of suffering by animals.

2. Examples of the sorts of charities and charitable purposes falling within this description include:

• charities promoting kindness and to prevent or suppress cruelty to animals;
• animal sanctuaries;
• the provision of veterinary care and treatment;
• charities concerned with the care and re-homing of animals that are abandoned, mistreated or lost;
• feral animal control, e.g. neutering.