Debt Collection for donations?

tbourner

If an animal charity requests a minimum donation for adopting one of their animals, can they then chase that person for either the amount owed or the return of the animal if they don't give the donation within a certain time?

antrobus

Well of course they can chase the person for the promised donation, as in remind them of their obligations, but I doubt that the charity can go any further than that, otherwise it wouldn't be a donation would it? As to dumping the animal back with the original owners, wouldn't that call into question the whole point of the animal charity in the first place?

suicidebob

It's pretty low if you're trying to get out of paying them a donation. I'm sure the charity would be more than willing to help out if you're having problems meeting the financial commitment.

tbourner

antrobus wrote: »

As to dumping the animal back with the original owners, wouldn't that call into question the whole point of the animal charity in the first place?

No I mean taking the animal back into rescue (into foster if available, otherwise kennels).

suicidebob wrote: »

It's pretty low if you're trying to get out of paying them a donation. I'm sure the charity would be more than willing to help out if you're having problems meeting the financial commitment.

Pretty low but you tend to assume rescue animals are 'free to good home' and if you don't read the website and see the minimum donations it can be a bit of a shock when you go to pick up the animal and get asked for money! The charity in question do offer payment plans, like 4 monthly payments etc. But if that doesn't get paid can they legally chase you? Assuming you've not signed any payment contract but filled in the form on the website that states what donations are required.

goodgirl80

They normally make it clear well in advance what the requirements are, and probably won't hand an animal over until it's paid. They don't just fling animals out to any Tom !!!!!! or Harry who decides they want one. It's in the animal's interest that the person adopting acts responsibly. I think it's fair to contribute to that charity's running costs, if they have helped to unite you with a companion animal, and been responsible for the care of that animal for however long it has been with them.

Welshdebtor

All rescue centres ask for a minimum donation, amounts vary from centre to centre, as well as type of animal, even age and sex.

It does sound as if you are asking "How can I get out of paying a charity money?" Which I do not think is right. Apologies if this is not the case and you are just asking a question in general.

The amounts charities ask for is low compared to the cost spent by the charity both in food and Vacc's.

The emphasis is on the word "donation" though, you can pay more or indeed less.

suicidebob

tbourner wrote: »

No I mean taking the animal back into rescue (into foster if available, otherwise kennels).


Pretty low but you tend to assume rescue animals are 'free to good home' and if you don't read the website and see the minimum donations it can be a bit of a shock when you go to pick up the animal and get asked for money! The charity in question do offer payment plans, like 4 monthly payments etc. But if that doesn't get paid can they legally chase you? Assuming you've not signed any payment contract but filled in the form on the website that states what donations are required.

What charity are you talking about?

goodgirl80

Welshdebtor wrote: »

It does sound as if you are asking "How can I get out of paying a charity money?" Which I do not think is right. Apologies if this is not the case and you are just asking a question in general.


QUOTE]

^^ what they said

Welshdebtor

Also most centres keep "ownership" of the animal and can reclaim the animal under certain situations, not sure if this would fall under that rule.

tbourner

OK, time to come clean, I'm actually the new treasurer of said charity (Huskies in Need), I've been asked by the founder to research chasing people - I think we have 1 or 2 who haven't paid - they'd agreed with the founder to pay £50 a month (£200 minimum donation for puppies under 2 years old is our rule) but so far haven't done that.

We do send out a letter saying "Thanks for adopting etc...... and by the way you still need to pay your donation" But if this doesn't work can we then get a debt collection agency involved? And can we then take them to court if the pre-legal letter doesn't work? There's nothing that they sign that says they'll pay a donation - only that they will have the dog neutered if it isn't already, maintain it healthy, not sell etc., it belongs to the charity in the event of any problems in future etc. etc.

I tried to word this thread as if it could be me trying to wangle out of paying, cos I didn't want biassed replies, but it seems everyone is agreeing that it's pretty rubbish to not pay a donation - especially since these are Huskies and Husky crosses, which from a breeder a pure Husky is up to £1000!

We have given dogs to (homechecked) people without them paying, as we assumed most people would pay up reasonably quickly, it seems there are a lot of people out there who really do want something for nothing and none of our guilting letters make much difference. We put a lot of our time and energy into helping these dogs, we don't get paid, and my new found budgetting skills (thanks MSE ) are being used to try to pay off the debts we owe to vets and kennels - it's really hard when people just don't seem to care.

tbourner

Welshdebtor wrote: »

Also most centres keep "ownership" of the animal and can reclaim the animal under certain situations, not sure if this would fall under that rule.

The contract they sign says:
"The adopter understands that if there is a failure on their part to keep to any part of this contract, Huskies in Need retains the right to repossess the dog at any time."
But as I said, there's nothing in that contract about paying a donation.