The Friends of Akitas Trust (UK) was originally formed in November 2007 by Nicola Bell, Vikki Brown and Elsa Higginson. Formerly volunteers for another Akita rescue organisation, it had been noted that there was a severe gap in provision for Akitas finding themselves on death row in local authority run or contracted pounds. After much consideration, the Trust formed after taking on the case of a young Akita on death row, whose rescue back up was withdrawn at the last minute.
Under the 1990 Environmental Act, Local Authorities are required to collect and hold stray dogs found within their areas for seven days. If by the seventh day a home is not found, the dog may be sold to someone who will care for it, passed on to a suitable rescue or humanely destroyed. Some areas have excellent provision, and dogs are only put to sleep if they are very ill or displaying particularly bad temperament – others do not have the resources or will to secure rescue places, and in these situations healthy dogs are just put to sleep on the seventh day.
The FOA Trust (UK) works in conjunction with Dog Wardens, Local Authority kennels, a variety of other rescue organisations and individuals to get as many Akitas as possible into “safe†kennels or foster care and then into forever homes. That is not to say that the FOA Trust (UK) will only help “poundies†– our objective is to help, rescue, rehabilitate if possible and ultimately re-home any Akita which needs it. This is achieved through assessing both dog and potential owners, to ensure a well-matched and long-lasting, happy relationship.
A lot of behind the scenes work was carried out, and the Trust had a more official launch in January 2008 which saw the forum and website go live. The Trust attracted a number of members in a relatively short space of time, and recruited Area Representatives. In mid-2008 Elsa Higginson resigned from her position due to personal demands, and Collette Nisbet joined the Trustee team. As time went on and the organisation grew larger, the Trust consolidated the coordinator team, establishing Area Coordinators, responsible for coordinating work in a fixed geographical area, and other important positions including a Marketing and Communications Manager, and a Fundraising Coordinator.
By March 2009 the Trust had grown to such a point it was felt prudent to identify a second site to rent kennelling, and by April 2009 the Trust was utilizing kennels in two locations, Bolsover in North Derbyshire, and Yeadon in West Yorkshire. Soon after, the opportunity arose to rent an entire block of nine kennels at the Leeds base for a reduced rate. At present the Trust operates on renting the block of nine in West Yorkshire, and renting on an individual kennel basis in N. Derbyshire, with a limit of four kennels maximum being used there at any one time to ensure that funds are not stretched beyond the limits. Therefore the Trust has 13 kennels to use, alongside whichever foster spaces may be available at that particular time.
During April 2009 the Trust became a fully registered charity and became the only UK Akita Rescue organisation to receive official endorsement from the UK Akita Association. In May 2009 it was decided that our geographical approach to Coordinators was no longer effective, hence introducing the National Coordinator role where location is not an issue, at this point we also merged the Marketing and Communications aspect into the Trustee roles and introduced a new Promotions Coordinator.
In July 2010 due to Vikki Browns departure from the Trustee team and an ever increasing demand on the organisation a recruitment drive was held. The organisation now consists of a Management Team of 14 who aim to take the organisation onwards and upwards. How are we different to other Akita Rescue Organisations in the UK?
• We are the only Akita rescue in the UK to actively prioritise Akitas in death row situation
• Every single Akita is assessed before the Trust commits to assisting in their re-homing. This includes dogs in private homes and other rescue organisations
• The Trustees are actively involved in the organisation on a day to day basis
Funding
The FOA Trust (UK) is predominantly funded via public donations and donations given at the time of adoptions. The recruitment of additional Coordinators will allow the Trustees the time required to secure grant funding and sponsorship deals. The FOA Trust (UK) shop will also be re-launched in August 2010.
**At the time of printing there are 10 Akitas in pounds in the UK who desperately require urgent assistance to save their
lives – if you can help us by adopting, fostering or volunteering please contact us!**
Contact: Nicola Bell, Nicola@friendsofakitas.co.uk, www.friendsofakitas.co.uk